[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 62 (Saturday, April 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING WANDERERS HOME MISSISIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, April 8, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Wanderers Home Missionary Baptist Church, a remarkable house of worship 
in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.
  The Wanderers Home Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history, 
which is a legend within itself. At the turn of the twentieth century, 
a group of Christian leaders and laymen, some early settlers and others 
who migrated to the town of Mound Bayou, were led by the inspiration of 
the Holy Spirit to come together to organize a church in the year of 
1908. Some acquired land and others share-cropped farms outside of the 
town limit. There was no church in the near vicinity of their homes, 
and means of transportation was limited. There had been a yearning for 
a place to fellowship and worship, and to praise and give thanks unto 
the Almighty God for His goodness. Coming together in the home of early 
settlers Mr. and Mrs. Wash and Kerri Mosley, led to fruitful 
discussions and plans to lay the foundation for what was to become 
their own place of worship, the Wanderers Home Missionary Baptist 
Church.
  Initially, the church was located on the north side of Township Road, 
but later relocated to the south side of the road where they purchased 
land and built a church. The land was sold and later rebuilt back on 
the north side, its present location.
  The late Reverend W.M. Wilson was named the first pastor and began 
with a small group of faithful members under the most humble 
circumstances and with lots of faith in God. As the town of Mound Bayou 
became a major tourist attraction, with the growing population and 
industrial development, the membership at Wanderers Home grew rapidly.
  The pulpit has been graced with some of the most remarkable preachers 
and ministers. The late Reverend Thornton, Reverend H.H. Humes, 
Reverend W.M. Stampley, Reverend W.M. Walden, Reverend Richardson, 
Reverend Zack Pittman, Reverend T.F. Hammond, Reverend C.H. Moreland, 
(who served as pastor for twenty-six years), Reverend Andrew Hawkins 
and Reverend Willie J. Jackson (the current pastor), was called as the 
leader of the congregation in 1991.
  Under the leadership of Pastor Moreland, a fellowship hall was added 
to the church as the need for a place to extend their fellowship beyond 
the sanctuary. Under the leadership of Pastor Jackson, many 
accomplishments have taken place: Wanderers Home became the first 
church in Mound Bayou to have full-time worship services; incorporated 
4th Sunday Broadcast Worship Service; started weekly bible class for 
adults and youths; and organized and increased Youth ministry 
activities.
  The sanctuary was renovated with stained glass windows and new pews. 
Due to growth in membership the church purchased a van to transport 
elderly and youth parishioners.
  Over the years, the church has reached beyond its walls to support 
the community, families, other communities throughout Bolivar and 
surrounding counties through its Missionary Ministry, as well as its 
Youth and Adult ministries.
  Wanderers Home supported and been actively involved as a member of 
the Bolivar County Baptist Association since its organization, as well 
as a member of the State and National Congress of Christian Education. 
Many of its members have and continue to serve in leadership roles as 
leaders, teachers, and auxiliary heads in the organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wanderers 
Home Missionary Baptist Church for their spiritual enhancements in 
Mound Bayou, the surrounding communities and the State of Mississippi.

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