MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Pigott

House Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PASTOR AND MEMBERS OF HURRICANE CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH IN SANDY HOOK, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF THEIR CHURCH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

     WHEREAS, the congregation of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Mississippi, will celebrate a century of faith, service and Christian devotion on Sunday, September 15, 2013, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary celebration; and

     WHEREAS, on September 7, 1913, four brothers, D.R. McKenzie, E.J. McKenzie, J.D. McKenzie and A.Q. McKenzie along with their brother-in-law, G.T. Thomas, led a group of 50 charter members to organize Hurricane Creek Baptist Church in the McKenzie School House that was located on Hurricane Creek in southern Marion County; and

     WHEREAS, after the church's official organization, the members, with unshakable faith, built the congregation's independent place of worship which served as the home of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church until the structure was damaged by high winds in 1932; and

     WHEREAS, in the early days, the church operated on a part-time basis, and only met as a congregation once a month, but blessings abounded causing Hurricane Creek Baptist Church to grow over the years, and by 1942, the congregation had grown to such a size that the church began to operate on a full-time basis; and

     WHEREAS, to accommodate the growing membership of the church, Hurricane Creek constructed a larger facility in 1957-58 and later added a Family Life Center on the church's campus in 1982; and

     WHEREAS, beginning with the church's first pastor, Reverend R.F. Bass, through the congregation's current pastor, Reverend Curtis Roland, the flock of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church has been devotedly shepherded throughout the church's rich history by 27 Godly pastors who have contributed to the growth and spiritual prosperity of the church; and

     WHEREAS, offering a wide array of opportunities to grow in Christian fellowship and discipleship, Hurricane Creek Baptist Church ministers locally through Willing Women, a group of ladies who lovingly volunteer their time and talents to help meet needs in the community, and through the church's support of the Marion County Food Pantry and the Baptist Student Unions at the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Pearl River Community College; and

     WHEREAS, in addition, Hurricane Creek Baptist Church's  Christian hand of love and service has helped spread the Gospel of Jesus to all corners of the world since the church's founding by its prayerful and financial support of foreign, national and local missions through the Southern Baptist Convention, the Mississippi State Baptist Convention and the Marion County Baptist Association and by supporting members of the congregation who have traveled on mission trips in the United States, Mexico and Indonesia; and

     WHEREAS, after 100 years, Hurricane Creek Baptist Church has grown from its humble congregation of 50 members faithfully meeting once a month to a thriving church of over 350 congregants, and today the church continues to be a haven for the spiritual nourishing of souls, both young and old, who cherish the rich history and traditions of their devout predecessors; and

     WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Hurricane Creek Baptist Church looks back on its past achievements, and with sincere gratitude, humbly acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ's grace and love which, despite the changing of many seasons, has consistently brought its devoted members through trying times as well as joyous celebrations; and

     WHEREAS, it is most appropriate, on the occasion of the  centennial celebration of the founding of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, that the House of Representatives recognize and commend such a steadfast institution of God which, after unceasingly spreading the Holy Gospel for 100 years, continues this day, with hope for tomorrow, to carry out the Great Commission:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the pastor and members of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Mississippi, on the special occasion of their church's 100th anniversary and extend warmest wishes for many more years of continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend Curtis Roland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.