MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Massengill

House Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HICKORY FLAT UPON THE 125TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING.

     WHEREAS, the congregation and pastor of First Baptist Church located in Hickory Flat, Mississippi, is commemorating the 125th anniversary of this great religious establishment during its celebration of the legacy of gospel ministry; and

     WHEREAS, First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, which was formerly known as Hickory Flat Baptist Church until April 4, 1984, joined the Tippah Baptist Association in September 1888, with its 13 members who were under the leadership of its first pastor, Reverend W.G. Thompson; and

     WHEREAS, in the year 1926 or 1927, the membership of First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, voted to purchase land to build a new church facility, and on May 19, 1928, a lot was purchased in the amount of $350 and later that year a new church building was constructed; and

     WHEREAS, due to the diligence of members of First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, on December 13, 1942, the last payment was made on the $15,000 brick church building, and on January 10, 1943, the church was dedicated during a special service, which was all for the glory of God; and

     WHEREAS, in 1946, First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, under the leadership of Reverend J.A. Autry, changed to part-time services instead of occasional preaching, and until 1951, 20 part-time pastors served the church with bimonthly worship services; and

     WHEREAS, on July 1, 1951, First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, began full-time services under the leadership of Reverend Doyle Caples, and in 1954, expanded its facility by adding an addition that housed Sunday School classes, additional restrooms, and an indoor baptistery; and

     WHEREAS, on Thursday, August 7, 1986, the two-story brick facility of First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, was destroyed by a fire that was ignited by lightning; however, members rallied together to make sure they had a place to worship just three days following the fire, which was in the former Church of Christ building and in a double wide trailer that was furnished by the Mississippi Baptist Convention; and

     WHEREAS, as a congregation that is steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord, in June 1987, the congregation began construction of a new church with an estimated 10,000 square feet, a seating capacity of 300 people, along with a fellowship hall and 14 Sunday School rooms at a cost of $310,000, and the newly constructed church was dedicated December 6, 1987, with 317 people present for the special occasion; and

     WHEREAS, in the year 2000, the congregation constructed a Family Life Center at an estimated cost of $170,384, and recently, the church completed a $60,000 youth room on the second floor of the Family Life Center, which exemplifies the church's continued path of making improvements all in the name of the Lord; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to the church's physical growth, the church has been a strong supporter of missions with the North American Mission Board and the International Mission Board, and is a faithful part of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Program, all in the church's fervent efforts to reach people for Christ; and

     WHEREAS, First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, has been led by 35 pastors over the past 125 years and is currently under the leadership of Reverend Gary Linville, who is assisted by Duncan Schaefer, minister of music, and Justin Anderson, youth minister; and

     WHEREAS, it the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize a great religious establishment such as First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, whose primary existence of glorifying God by loving him and by showing his love, not only positively influences Benton County, but this great state and country as a whole:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, upon the special occasion of the church's 125th year anniversary and extend best wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to First Baptist Church, Hickory Flat, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.