House Resolution 98

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NEW TOWN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTON, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE 150TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING, ACKNOWLEDGING A LEGACY OF DEVOUT FAITH AND SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, New Town Missionary Baptist Church located in Charleston, Mississippi, is celebrating its 150th anniversary, to be commemorated on August 23, 2015; and

WHEREAS, New Town Missionary Baptist Church was birthed into ecclesiastical spiritual existence during the time of slavery under the pastoral guidance of Spring Hill Baptist Church and Reverend Porter, who preached and instructed the membership until the flock had been groomed in preparation for seizing the reigns of administering the functions and operations of the church; and

WHEREAS, the first building was a simple one room structure located upon the same plot of earth that is now the old New Town Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, New Town Missionary Baptist Church was first organized by Reverend Hampton Clemmons and was blessed with dynamic, spirit-filled and God-fearing deacons, who each contributed greatly to the growth of the church, including: Brother Monroe Reed Sr., Brother Anthony Patten, Brother Eugene Penn, Brother Stephen Barnes, Brother Moses Green, Brother Pinky Gray Sr., and Brother James H. Belamy Sr.; and

WHEREAS, in 1869, the honorable Reverend Matthew Black was called to pastor and lead the church, and succeeding him was Reverend Nelson Harris; and

WHEREAS, in 1878, with lots of faith and little money, Reverend Williams West influenced the members to move the church to what was then called North Pleasant Street and construct a new building, which was built on an area located across from the present day church building on what is now Martin Luther King Drive; and

WHEREAS, the new church building was the church's first with an organ and a church bell, which was reconstructed in June of 2009, and Mrs. Nannie Black was honored to be the first church organist, her sweet notes leading the congregation in holy exaltation; and

WHEREAS, in 1882, the church united its efforts to seek the man best suited to fulfill the duties of a devout pastor and leader and elected Reverend Willie Penn as pastor, followed by Reverend Milton Jones in 1885; and

WHEREAS, in 1889, Reverend Charles Johnson of Tillatoba, Mississippi, became pastor and was very influential in the church's decision to buy land at the location where the current church building now stands; and

WHEREAS, in October 1901, Reverend Johnson, who was a carpenter, the New Town membership and some friends, united in a concerted effort to complete the construction of the new church building and rejoiced upon its completion, which was a true testament to the extraordinary growth of the church and God's faithfulness to reward those who diligently seek him; and

WHEREAS, after the construction of the new church, 30 pews were brought in by mules and wagons from the Baptist church in Oakland, Mississippi, and was truly an impressive feat by the church members who took it upon themselves to accomplish the task, including: Brother James Henry Reed, Brother Burel L. Reed, Brother James Henry Bellamy, Brother Robert E. Pollard, Brother Nathan Metcalf, Brother Willie Metcalf, Brother John H. Gray and Brother Richard Gray; and

WHEREAS, after the construction of the new sanctuary, the church experienced unprecedented growth, ordaining more deacons and holding a revival in the old church building in jubilant commemoration of the favor of God evidenced upon their spiritual establishment; and

WHEREAS, from 1865 to January 1920, the church was fortunate to count among its numbers deaconesses who were true servants of the Lord, including: Sister Margaret Bellamy, Sister Cindy Barnes, Sister Charlotte Gray and Sister Rachael Reed; and

WHEREAS, throughout the course of its 150-year history, New Town has had many devout and loyal church clerks including: Brother Anthony P. Pollard, who was elected church clerk and Sunday School superintendent from 1865 until his death in 1920; Brother Alford, who served until his health would not allow him to continue; and present clerks Brother Frank Shoemaker and Brother Marvel Hudson, who together enable the church to prosper materially and spiritually; and

WHEREAS, currently led by Reverend Derrick Williams Sr., and a host of faithful and devout deacons and officers, New Town Missionary Baptist Church has fostered a culture of membership participation and service to the Lord and their community; and

WHEREAS, with a spirit of service, New Town Missionary Baptist Church takes pride upon its devotion to the youth of this state and is very active in educational efforts, helping children achieve academic success; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, New Town Missionary Baptist Church looks back on its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness acknowledges God's grace and love, which have brought them through the years and have given them triumphant victory; and

WHEREAS, New Town Missionary Baptist Church continues its journey of reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ as it remains a dedicated place of worship and spiritual restoration for many in the Charleston community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend excellence in the history of the religious establishments in our state, that are a refuge of peace and sanctuary for our communities and the families dwelling therein, such as New Town Missionary Baptist Church, whose fortitude and dedication to winning souls through the ministry of faith, salvation and redemption have allowed it to stand the test of the years:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence of the pastors and members of New Town Missionary Baptist Church upon the occasion of the church's 150th year anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

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