Senate Resolution 4

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL (150TH) ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE OLD OAK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH IN MYRTLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES OF THE SENATE TO THIS CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION.

WHEREAS, we join the Christian congregation of Old Oak Grove Baptist Church in Myrtle, Mississippi, in their Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration, an important event in the history of this church and community; and

WHEREAS, in 1873, the residents of the community, south of the present-day Town of Myrtle, Mississippi, came together to organize a church to be called Oak Grove Baptist Church. The church originally met periodically on Saturday to worship and take care of the church business; and

WHEREAS, the first elected pastor of the church was Ike Gray, followed by Ike Smith. During this time, two acres of land were deeded to the church and school. Between 1888 and 1905, R.A. Cooper, Charles Huchison and J.M. Gray served the church as pastors; and

WHEREAS, the first church building was erected in 1905, and the first church records were prepared and entered as record. That building still currently serves as the sanctuary; however, some remodeling has occurred: lamps were added in 1911; air conditioning was added in 1969; carpet and new pews were added in 1971; and the entrance was remodeled along with the addition of a porch in 1983; and

WHEREAS, in the late 1800s or early 1900s, some members were forced to travel on treacherous terrain in the winter months, therefore the church split amicably into Old Oak Grove Baptist Church and New Oak Grove Baptist Church. Old Oak Grove remained on the original site and New Oak Grove organized and settled on the other side of the bottom. New Oak Grove is presently known as Faith Baptist Church. The church then progressed from meeting one Sunday a month to meeting every Sunday; and

WHEREAS, Old Oak Grove Baptist Church has been served by 29 pastors most of which served from one to three years; however, there were some who served longer terms: Frank Cox (19 years); Tommy C. Peters (18-1/2 years); T.C. Hodges (12 years) and the current pastor is presently serving his 15th year. Sixteen deacons have helped these pastors lead this church, which has truly been blessed during its existence; and

WHEREAS, Old Oak Grove Baptist Church continues to serve its members and community through the inception of their Sunday School, mission activities, educational space, parsonage, fellowship hall, baptistry and extending their adjoining cemetery; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge and recognize the Christian and civic contributions of this church to the citizens of the community and give thanks for its legacy to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of the Old Oak Grove Baptist Church in Myrtle, Mississippi, and extend the best wishes of the Senate to this Christian congregation on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Pastor Bobby Butler for the congregation and elders of the church, be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen of Myrtle, Mississippi, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.