Bill Text: MS HC55 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Mt. Zion Baptist Church; commend upon the occasion of its 175th anniversary.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-09 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC55 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2018-HC55-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Chism, Smith
House Concurrent Resolution 55
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE DILIGENCE, SERVICE AND WIDE INFLUENCE OF THE PASTORS AND MEMBERS OF MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHURCH'S HISTORIC 175TH ANNIVERSARY.
WHEREAS, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, originally known as Mt. Zion United Baptist Church of Christ, celebrates the splendid occasion of its 175th church anniversary on April 15, 2018, acknowledging 175 years of spiritual excellence and devotion; and
WHEREAS, in 1840, the original members of Mt. Zion United Baptist Church of Christ met in their homes, but soon realized they needed an official meeting place, so they chose a location and erected a one-room building, big enough to hold the original 20 members; and
WHEREAS, Mt. Zion became a "real" church in the spring of 1843, when the church petitioned the Columbus Association for membership and their petition was accepted, but just a few years later, the Civil War raged, so no services were held from 1860 until 1870; and
WHEREAS, when services resumed in 1870, they were held on the third Sunday of the month, but by 1890, due to the sparse population in the area and transportation issues, the membership of Mt. Zion had dwindled to just five souls, so the church closed its doors until 1920; and
WHEREAS, the end of World War I not only brought the roaring 20s but also new pilgrimage to Mt. Zion's community, so the church was repaired and the first service in 30 years was preached by Reverend J.F. Sansing, who came to preach once a month; and
WHEREAS, in 1929, W.A. Corr gave two acres of land for a cemetery and the church purchased additional land for a new building, which was built out of logs not far from the location of the current building, and the first service in the new church took place on February 25, 1933, under the tutelage of Brother Sansing; and
WHEREAS, the first prayer meeting was held in 1940, and from that point forward, the church decided to hold a prayer meeting once a week, and during the 1950s, a pastor's home, Sunday School rooms, a basement and a small kitchen were built; and
WHEREAS, during the 1970s, the church expanded greatly, building a new auditorium, fellowship hall, kitchen, and storage room, as well as calling its first Minister of Music and Youth; and
WHEREAS, Mt. Zion has continued to make additions and renovations in order to provide an ornate, efficient structure that is fully equipped to serve the needs of its ever-growing membership, and in 1985, the church adopted a constitution, which affirmed the sound doctrines of faith in God that marked the roots it established many eons ago; and
WHEREAS, throughout the church's history, it has worshipped and served the Lord under the illustrious guidance of many devout pastors, but while the community, the congregation and even the landscape may have changed in the past 175 years, the message of love and mercy taught from the good book has remained the same; and
WHEREAS, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has been a valued and trusted institution in the community since its inception 175 years ago, withstanding the ever-changing dynamics surrounding it by being firmly rooted and grounded in its biblical principles, and it has continued in the longstanding tradition of empowering countless families and others through the preaching and teaching of the gospel; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding and contributory religious institutions such as Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which remains a cornerstone of its community as it strives continuously to promote the spread and growth of the Christian faith:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence, service and wide influence of the pastors and members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's historic 175th anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
