House Concurrent Resolution 53

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION OF ITS 190TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, Hopewell Baptist Church, a historic religious institution established on February 2, 1828, is celebrating the splendid occasion of its 190th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, founded on the banks of the Pearl River near the mouth of Brushy Creek in Copiah County, Mississippi, the church has been at its current location since 1922, and it will celebrate its 190th anniversary on February 4, 2018, at its annual Homecoming festivities; and

WHEREAS, Hopewell Baptist Church has grown tremendously throughout the decades, in physical structure and membership and in its work with missions, and throughout the church's history, its members have served the Lord under the illustrious guidance of many devout pastors, and while the community, the congregation and even the landscape have transformed in the past 190 years, the message of love and mercy taught from the Good Book has remained the same; and

WHEREAS, as a vital part of the Hopewell community, Hopewell Baptist Church has been a valued and trusted institution since its inception in 1828, withstanding the ever-changing dynamics surrounding it by being firmly rooted and grounded in its biblical principles, and it has continued in its longstanding tradition of empowering countless families and others through the teachings of the gospel; and

WHEREAS, Hopewell Baptist Church has stood through many changing and challenging times, always serving as a spiritual beacon to its members and its community, being truly founded on faith, hope and love, and after 190 years it continues to be a source of spiritual empowerment for its members, the citizens of Copiah County, and the surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding historic religious institutions such as Hopewell Baptist Church, which strives continuously to promote the spread and growth of the Christian faith and make a positive impact throughout the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate Hopewell Baptist Church on its 190th anniversary and wish the church continued growth and prosperity for many years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Hopewell Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.