Senate Resolution 98

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE QUASQUICENTENNIAL (125TH) ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF FIRST-TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, we join the faithful communicants of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church of Laurel, Mississippi, in noting and celebrating the Quasquicentennial (125th) Anniversary of the founding of the church; and

WHEREAS, the history of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church of Laurel mirrors the history of the City of Laurel, Mississippi, which began as a small lumber town and turned into a vibrant city with both industrial significance and cultural attractions; and

WHEREAS, in 1895, Reverend A.B. Coit came to Laurel from Enterprise, Mississippi, and met six Presbyterians with a desire to have a church of their own. Five years later in March 1900, after borrowing spaces to worship from not only other churches but the local "Opera House" and even the Laurel Hotel, the first elders and deacons were elected, followed by trustees to organize a church build. Mr. Silas W. Gardiner of Eastman and Gardiner Lumber Company generously gave the church his corner lot on 5th Avenue, which he had intended for his own home, even though he was not a Presbyterian; and

WHEREAS, in November 1900, Reverend R.L. Campbell was called as the first minister, making it the first church of any denomination in Mississippi south of Meridian to New Orleans to employ a minister full time. On February 10, 1901, the first worship service was held, but triumph quickly turned to tragedy when the church burned to the ground 11 months later on December 18, 1901. Not to be discouraged, the congregation raised $1,500.00 the next day to rebuild. On November 1, 1903, the second building was dedicated, and this small remarkable group of Presbyterians accomplished building two churches in two years. The Board of Trustees officially incorporated the church in May 1915 in order to facilitate the handling of church property and gifts of money and endowments, an act unique to most southern churches at the time. Reverend Grayson L. Tucker accepted the call as pastor in 1917, which became a successful 40 years of pastorship; and

WHEREAS, in the following decades as Laurel grew, so did First Presbyterian's congregation. On January 24, 1924, successful lumber businessman Mr. Lauren C. Eastman offered $100,000.00 to construct a larger building, provided the church would raise funds to match his offer. It was successfully raised in just two weeks, and the internationally researched building plan began. The architect for the building was Rathbone de Buys of New Orleans, accompanied by his consulting firm of Frohman, Robb and Little of Boston; and

WHEREAS, the sanctuary is a beautiful 13th Century Gothic Revival style architecture connected by a 72-foot tower to the 15th century Gothic Revival style Kirk House. The building is of gray-lavender South Carolina brick, and the roof is gray-green slate with matching flagstone walkways. The hardware throughout is hand wrought iron, and the cork floors are imported from England and Wales. The sanctuary houses the 2nd largest pipe organ in Mississippi, an Aeolian Skinner with 4,000 pipes, a favorite instrument for concerts by organists nationwide. The rare, intricate stained-glass windows were imported from England and depict Bible stories. They were given in memory of Lauren Eastman Rogers by his mother and widow. The stained-glass windows in the Ladies' parlor uniquely depict images of women from the Bible. Lauren Rogers, also the namesake of Laurel's first art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, was a First Presbyterian Deacon when he suddenly passed from appendicitis at the age of 22. The first service was held in the new sanctuary November 6, 1925; and

WHEREAS, more decades of growth brought the need to add an education wing, which was completed in 1957. A sister plant church, Trinity Presbyterian Church, was erected in North Laurel in 1963. However, as local industry and economy fell in the 1980s and denominations encountered splits, membership in both churches declined and First Presbyterian and Trinity Presbyterian reunited in 1992 to form First-Trinity Presbyterian Church at the 5th Avenue location; and

WHEREAS, First-Trinity's history is one of successfully overcoming many obstacles to remain mighty in service as faithful followers of Christ giving all glory to God; and

WHEREAS, the theme for 2025 is "Building on a Cornerstone of Faith" to celebrate the 125th year of the church's formation, 110th year of official incorporation, and the centennial year of the completion of what is often referred to as "Laurel's Cathedral":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Quasquicentennial (125th) Anniversary Celebration Of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church of Laurel, Mississippi, and extend the sincerest congratulations of the Mississippi Senate to the present and past Pastors and Congregations on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Pastor and Board of Trustees of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.