[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 4, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING GREATER HINDS STREET MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
pillar of the community, Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist 
Church. Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church has served as a 
catalyst for the African-American growth in Washington County and the 
State of Mississippi.
  The history and purpose of the Greater Hinds Street Missionary 
Baptist Church is to participate and promote the Kingdom of God through 
Jesus Christ in evangelism, discipleship, Christian education, 
missions, ministries, social service, and any other objective that the 
church may consider to be appropriate and desirable.
  The Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church was established in 
1911 when a group of members chose to leave First Baptist Church, 
located in Greenville, Mississippi, and start anew. Namely, Deacon John 
Gray, Deacon John Collins, Deacon Robert Moore, and his wife, Sister 
C.L. Bean, who were all members of Penthian Hall, begin to hold church 
meetings in the association's building, located on Cately and Nelson 
Streets. They eventually moved to 502 Nelson Street, currently known as 
Doe's Eat Place. In January 1926, ``Hinds Street'' was founded at its 
present site under the late Rev. Lynke Williams.
  In 1954, Hinds Street underwent a new look with new restorations and 
1955 became a new dawning for the Church. A new pastor was elected, 
Rev. E.D. Simpson, and a massive renovation took place. The renovation 
led to a desire to rename the church. Henceforth, it became known as 
the Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church.
  In 1994, the Church committed to continuous improvement of the 
building. As improvements were made, the church also elected Youth 
Pastor, Rev. Cedric Reed. Sadly, the year brought the end of era. Rev. 
E.D. Simpson passed away in October 1994, thus bringing an end to the 
longest tenured Pastorate of the church,
  In March 1995, Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr. became the Pastor. Then, Mr. 
Frank Seid and married couple, Napolean and Maurice Thomas, donated 
property to the church for expansion. Throughout the years, the Church 
purchased several portions of land in the surrounding neighborhood. In 
October, the Hinds Street Baptist Church Community Development 
Corporation was established.
  In 1997, the church acquired additional property at 434 Hinds Street. 
In 1999, Mr. George Lynch generously donated property at the corner of 
Hinds and Alexander Streets to the church.
  In March 2002, the church broke ground for the Greater Hinds Street 
Church Family Life Center.
  In the fall of 2012, the church purchased a small 4-unit apartment 
complex and a vacant lot across the street, aiming to renew the 
building for future use and benefit to the church and community. A 
community garden has since been established on the vacant lot.
  In 2013, renovations began to update both the Church and the Family 
Life Center. This effort, aimed at reinforcing the unity of the church 
and its facilities, supported spiritual growth and community service.
  Countless individuals have been baptized and converted to Jesus 
Christ for the forgiveness and remission of sin. The church's history 
is storied with decades long service and contributions by numerous 
members and friends, who are God-fearing and God-loving, both named and 
unnamed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Greater 
Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church for its rich heritage and 
dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

                          ____________________