Senate Resolution 36

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND GIVING THANKS TO MOSS POINT PASTOR DERRICK TAPPER, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (SBC), AND MOSS POINT PASTOR KEVIN HENRY, FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE CONGREGATIONS, WHO UNITED AND HELD SERVICES IN A COMMON SANCTURY FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING TORNADO DAMAGE ON JUNE 19, 2023, FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Moss Point, Mississippi, in recognizing Pastor Derrick Tapper and Pastor Kevin Henry for their commitment to community service and for their demonstration of Christian faith and fellowship; and

WHEREAS, the destruction of the tornado that struck Moss Point, Mississippi, on June 19, 2023, united the two churches when First Baptist Church (SBC) opened its doors to First Missionary Baptist Church after its building was severely damaged by the storm; and

WHEREAS, after the tornado ripped through Moss Point destroying one of its oldest, predominately black churches, members of the church aren't letting the disaster stop them from their regularly scheduled worship. First Missionary Baptist Church sits on Main Street in Moss Point, which is where the majority of the damage was. About a mile away, churchgoers went to Refuge Church Center on Church Street to hold the church's first service after the tornado; and

WHEREAS, "It's going to take a whole lot more than a storm and an EF-2 tornado to keep us from coming together to worship God," said Senior Pastor Kevin Henry. "So, I thought it was extremely important that we get together as quickly as possible, pray for one or another, pray with each other, and together we can get through this"; and

WHEREAS, the church recently turned 149 years old, and seeing the history of the church wiped away with debris, shattered windows, and a destroyed roof was heartbreaking for Pastor Henry to see. "The damage looked devastating," said Pastor Henry. "My heart buckles when I look at it, but then my heart rejoices in gratefulness because no one was there during the time that the tornado hit"; and

WHEREAS, both churches served as an example to the City of Moss Point and others by coming together to uplift each other while spreading the Gospel of Christ; and

WHEREAS, both pastors, leading entirely different congregations with entirely different services, maintained the common messages of Faith, Hope and Love; and

WHEREAS, these two Christian congregations are wonderful examples for community commitment and resiliency, and we commend their record of achievement, leadership and a legacy of charitable spirit to all in Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and give thanks to Moss Point Pastor Derrick Tapper of First Baptist Church (SBC), and Moss Point Pastor Kevin Henry of First Missionary Baptist Church, and to their respective congregations, for uniting and holding services in a common sanctuary following the devastating tornado damage on June 19, 2023, and for their commitment to the community, and to extend our prayers for rebuilding.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Pastor Derrick Tapper and Pastor Kevin Henry, and to the congregations of First Baptist Church (SBC) and First Missionary Baptist Church in Moss Point, Mississippi, forwarded to the Mayor and City Council of Moss Point, Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.