Bill Text: MS SC591 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize the dedication of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ Historical Marker and Museum in Lexington, Mississippi.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-1)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-24 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC591 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-SC591-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jordan, Jackson (11th), Frazier, Norwood, Butler, Horhn, Stone, Simmons (13th), Simmons (12th), Turner-Ford, Witherspoon, Jackson (15th), Barnett, Blackmon, Jackson (32nd)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 591
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST HISTORICAL MARKER AND MUSEUM IN LEXINGTON, MISSISSIPPI, AND THE SPIRITUAL LEGACY OF THIS STRUCTURE.
WHEREAS, St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Lexington, Mississippi, known as the "Mother Church" of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), was organized in 1897 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, founder of the COGIC. One hundred nineteen years ago, on these hallowed grounds, the Church of God in Christ had its beginning. The present structure was built in 1906. Saints Academy and College (formerly, Saints Industrial and Literary School) began in the basement of the church; and
WHEREAS, the "Mother Church" was built in the shape of a cross, the cross shape can still be seen inside; and
WHEREAS, Superintendent William Dean, Jr., Pastor, along with the St. Paul Church Family, was proud to greet and welcome the community to the Dedication Service for the Historical Marker and Museum on January 29, 2017; and
WHEREAS, St. Paul "Mother Church" of the Church of God in Christ Worldwide was founded in the backwoods of Mississippi (no public transportation, no train station, no bus station, not even a taxi stand). Some of the world's greatest spiritual leaders have come from St. Paul in the name and spirit of founder, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason; and
WHEREAS, the basement (the birthplace of Saints Industrial and Literary School, was later named as Saints Academy and Junior College) is now a museum. The first classes of Saints School were taught in the basement of St. Paul. The monuments honor the many great leaders who have trod the grounds and ministered from the "ORIGINAL" hand-carved "PULPIT" and sat in the "ORIGINAL PEWS." These leaders have gone on to great accomplishments, to name a few: Bishops: C.H. Mason, W.A. Patterson, J.O. Patterson, Sr., J.O. Patterson, Jr., G.E. Patterson, C.D. Owens, L.H. Ford, David Halls, T.T. Scott, John Sheard, N.O. Harper, J.W. Taylor, A.V. Jordan, Corby Bush, Sr., and Hollis Musgrove; Elders: O.S. Sheard and Percy Dean; Supervisors: Willie Mae Rivers, Ada Liddell, Lillian Brooks Coffee, Sarah Gaston, Frankie Murray, and Dr. Arenia C. Mallory; and
WHEREAS, from the beginning roots of this Church (1897-Present), God has wonderfully blessed the Church of God in Christ to grow from 48 chartered members to over 8 million members, encompassing every state in the United States of America and over 80 foreign countries; and
WHEREAS, with the many challenges facing the Church today, this congregation and community is blessed to have preserved its heritage and held on to the old landmark. It is of utmost importance to keep Mississippi's intact for the younger generation of Mississippi; and it is with great pride that we pay tribute and cherish fondly the legacy of this leading congregation comprised of public-spirited citizens of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the dedication of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Historical Marker and Museum in Lexington, Mississippi, and the spiritual legacy of this structure, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to this faithful congregation on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to St. Paul Church of God in Christ Superintendent William Dean, Jr., Pastor, forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
