[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 13596-13597]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Morning Star Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi.
  In the summer of 1925, Morning Star Baptist Church came into 
existence as a result of a split from Pearlie Grove Baptist Church of 
Jackson, Mississippi. Reverend Albert Thornton organized Morning Star 
Baptist Church with fifteen members in 1925. Services were held in 
Cuney Hall, located on the corner of Farish and Amite Streets. There 
was only one Deacon, Ike Brown. Two months later, five additional 
deacons were appointed: I.S. Brown, John Pearson, Lee James, Bill 
McCuring and Dempsey Lewis. Brothers Leonard Wilson, H.C. Carter and 
Landy McWright served as trustees. The first mothers were Lula Lofton, 
Carter and McQuine. The first church clerk was Clarence Winter.
  The Missionary Society was organized by Sister Lula Lofton who served 
as its president; the Sunday School was organized by Brother Sell Mason 
who served as superintendent; the Baptist Training Union was organized 
by Brother Leonard Wilson who served as director and the Senior Choir 
was organized by Deacon I.S. Brown who served as president. Deacon 
Brown later organized other choirs and directed them for more than 29 
years.
  The first revival service was held under a tent on Hamilton Street 
with Reverend Billy Sunday, from Alabama, serving as evangelist. During 
this service, 25 candidates for baptism were received. Baptism took 
place in the Pearl River.
  Under the pastorate of Reverend Thornton, land was purchased to build 
a church; however, Reverend Thornton resigned in 1928. Reverend James 
Beard and Reverend Richard Hardis then led the church for short 
periods. Reverend N.C. Johnson was later elected as pastor, and a frame 
church was built. Upon completion of the church, Reverend Johnson 
resigned. In 1930, the church chose Reverend John H. Sims as pastor and 
he served for four years. Reverend P.E. Lott was invited to conduct 
revival services in June 1934, and was chosen as pastor in September of 
1934. His administration lasted for 31 years, September 1934 through 
January 1966.
  During those 31 years, Sister Lula Newman served as president of the 
Missionary Society. Several organizations were formed, which included 
the J.M.A., Matron's League, Y.W.A.,

[[Page 13597]]

Sunshine Band, Red Circle, Crusaders and the Pastor's Aide Club which 
was organized by Sister M.A. Roebuck. Membership grew rapidly and after 
a short period, it became apparent that a larger building was needed to 
accommodate the worship service. Thus, a massive building program was 
started. A large edifice was erected at 960 Kane Street in 1947. Upon 
Reverend Lott's resignation, he recommended that Reverend Sterling 
Jones be accepted. Reverend Jones was immediately elected and preached 
his first sermon on February 13, 1965. Morning Star continued to grow, 
and a small plot of land was purchased directly behind the church with 
the intention of expanding. It was later decided that a new site was 
needed. Two and one-half acres of land located at 3420 Albermarle Road 
was purchased. This land serves as home of the present church. Reverend 
Jones resigned as pastor on January 25, 1970, and on March 30, 1970, 
Dr. M.K. Nelson was elected as the 8th pastor. Under Dr. Nelson's 
leadership, he designed a half-million dollar structure which was 
liquidated during the first week of May 1988. On April 16, 2001, after 
several years of illness, God called Dr. Nelson to eternal rest. The 
valiant men and women of this church who kept the faith through trials 
and tribulations give light in a dark world, peace to the troubled, 
compassion to the weary and love to all God's children.
  On March 9, 2002, Reverend John Russell Johnson, Jr., was elected to 
be the 9th pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church. Under his leadership, 
Morning Star has grown into a large, more diversified congregation with 
essential ministries for internal study, growth and external outreach. 
The following ministries were adopted under Pastor Johnson: Daughters 
of Destiny, Prison, Crown, Greeters, Brotherhood, Assimilation, 
Children's Church, Transportation, Young Adult Choir, and Adopt-A-
School.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Morning 
Star Baptist Church.

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