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2014 SPECIAL SESSION I

14200054D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5002
Offered March 24, 2014
Prefiled March 21, 2014
Commending New Mount Zion Baptist Church.
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Patrons-- Tyler
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WHEREAS, in 1914, the Reverend J. S. Givens was commissioned to build a church in Franklin, which was called Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church by the congregants; approximately 10 years later, the church was renamed Mount Zion Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, from 1914 to the mid-1950s, the church was pastored by several men of God who led the congregation as it grew numerically and spiritually; and

WHEREAS, in May 1954, the congregation broke ground for a new church building and called a new pastor, the Reverend C. C. Jenkins; in 1957, the cornerstone was laid, worship services were held for the first time in the new sanctuary at the church’s current location, and the church was renamed New Mount Zion Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, in 1975, under the leadership of the Reverend C. C. Jenkins and to accommodate the needs of the burgeoning congregation, construction began on a two-story church annex, which included a kitchen, fellowship area, pastor’s study, classrooms, utility closets, restrooms, and an office for the church secretary; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend C. C. Jenkins, who pastored the church for 22 years, retired in 1979; he was succeeded by the Reverend J. L. Kearney, during whose pastorate the Spiritual Choir was formed and several able men were ordained as deacons; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of the Reverend Joseph Greene, Sr., who succeeded the Reverend J. L. Kearney, the church grew rapidly in all areas, the C. C. Jenkins Scholarship Fund was created in 1987, the Aggie Johnson’s Nurses Unit was organized, the Pastor’s Aide Ministry was reestablished, and the Gospel Warrior Witnessing Team was organized, which ministered to persons in their homes, in prisons, and in nursing homes; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Joseph Greene, Sr., who retired from the ministry in 1991 due to illness, was devoted to New Mount Zion Baptist Church, and his contributions to the church were numerous, including training current and future church leaders to assume their respective responsibilities and provide appropriate church management and administration; and

WHEREAS, pastored by Bishop Darryl Stefan Adams since 1992, New Mount Zion Baptist Church continues to set attainable goals for continued church growth; Bishop Adams has led the church to complete several projects that were in progress prior to his installation and others that he initiated; and

WHEREAS, New Mount Zion Baptist Church is diligently and faithfully striving to fulfill the vision it received from God 100 years ago to sow seeds in Franklin, extend his loving hand to the community, and disciple those he sends their way; and

WHEREAS, New Mount Zion Baptist Church has overcome many trials and temptations to claim victory with God’s help to celebrate 100 years of Christian service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend New Mount Zion Baptist Church on the occasion of its 100th church anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bishop Darryl Stefan Adams, pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and appreciation for its faithfulness to the people of Franklin County.