[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3639-3640]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING MOUNT ELIZABETH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable rural town sanctuary, Mount Elizabeth Missionary Baptist 
Church.
  ``If you desire to eat for a year, plant rice. If you desire to be 
remembered ten years later, plant a tree. If you desire to save future 
generations, educate a child. But, if your desire is to preserve 
mankind, plant rice, a tree, educate a child, and build a church.''
  It was with this philosophy, spurred by the divine inspiration of 
God, that the Mount Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church was organized. 
The year was 1864. Worship services began under a brush harbor on a two 
acre plot of land given to the church by Mr. Bolton and was originally 
known as Bolton Baptist Church. The first pastor was Rev. Bob Sanders.
  During this time, there were many ladies who were strong believers in 
God, so they joined the church to help manage its affairs. By now, the 
Sunday school was beginning to play an important role in the church and 
Mr. John Williams was elected the first Sunday School Superintendent. 
The church was making progress and everyone turned to it as the last 
phase of life and hope.
  In 1918, at the tender age of 54 years, Bolton Baptist Church was 
destroyed by fire, but with Mrs. Elizabeth Brown and other determined 
people, a portion of the building that the congregation now worships in 
was rebuilt and

[[Page 3640]]

named after her. This changed the name from Bolton Baptist Church to 
Mt. Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church. Since the year 1864, the 
church has been a symbol of strength.
  In 1954, when the State Highway Department began construction on New 
Highway 80, Mt. Elizabeth was moved from its original site to about 
one-fourth mile south of Highway 80. In 1964, the State Highway 
Department began construction on Interstate 20. At the age of 100 
years, the church was moved a second time from one mile north of the 
town of Bolton to one mile south of Bolton, where it stands today.
  Down through the years, the church was blessed with leaders, men who 
walked and talked with God and have kept the church moving for the past 
150 years. Some of those who delivered their sermons from the pulpit 
were Rev. Bob Sanders, Rev. J. C. Lambert, Rev. Richard Patton, Rev. 
Jack Anthony, Rev. Cassidy Buckley, Rev. John C. Hunter and Rev. 
Wilbert Owens. Some moved on while others passed on.
  In 1984, God saw that the congregation was struggling to stay 
together without a shepherd to lead them. God answered their call and 
sent to them a humble and loving Christian man, Rev. Bernard McKinley, 
Sr. A number of deacons and mothers were instrumental in assisting the 
aforementioned leadership carry on the church business, ultimately 
helping the congregation to grow were Deacons: Deacons Dave McCray, 
Edmond Jefferson, Elict Watts, John Williams, Busher Mitchell, Jim 
Gooden, Robert Miles, Sr., Isiac George, Marshall Richmond, J. W. 
Wilburn, Dave Wilkins, Van Green, Sr., Jack Bennett, David Keys, Frank 
Johnson, L. C. Barber, William Johnson, Thirley Lewis, Sr., Ronald 
Mack, J. C. Malone and Clyde Montgomery, Sr.; Mothers: Magaree Garner, 
Callie Green, Katie Jordan, Louise Keys, Lucille Keys, Ruth Bell Lewis, 
Bernice Miles, Mary Porter, Frankie Reese, Ocey Richmond, Lillian 
Rollins, Minerva Rollins, Lee Ann Ross, and Frances Wilson; Sunday 
School Superintendents: Rev. William Levi, L. J. Myles, Jesse Burns, 
Jr., Johnie M. Thompson, Thirly Lewis, Jr., Kenneth R. Lewis, Deloice 
Lewis, Susie J. Carter, and Jimmie Lewis, Sr.; Sister Rosie Patterson 
served as Church Clerk/Sunday School teacher; and Brother James Malone 
served as musician for many decades. Under the leadership of Rev. John 
C. Hunter, an outdoor baptismal pool was built. In 1977 under the 
leadership of Rev. Wilbert Owens, indoor bathrooms, three classrooms, a 
pastor's study and kitchenette were added.
  During the span of 30 years, the church has undergone many changes, 
both in physical and spiritual growth, including the purchase of an 
additional acre of land for a cemetery plot. In 2005, the church 
underwent a major renovation project, which included the addition of an 
indoor baptismal pool, fellowship hall (with kitchen, restrooms, and 
classrooms), a foyer with additional restrooms and storage spaces, and 
pavement of the previous dirt and gravel parking lot.
  Presently, the leadership of the church encompasses Pastor Bernard 
McKinley, Sr.; Deacons: Steve Adams, Tywon Alexander, Sr., Jesse Burns, 
Jr., Michael Green, Albert Lewis, Sr., Kenneth Ray Lewis, Terrence 
Sanders, and Bernard McKinley, Jr.; Deaconesses/Mothers: Linda Adams, 
Earnestine Alexander, Ola Cotton, Flora Green, Fannie Lewis, and 
Alberta Williams; Trustees Susie Carter, Edward Cotten, Wayne Gaddis, 
Vera Gaddis, Bobby Kirksey, and Mollie Bell McCray; Church Secretary, 
Sister Carolyn G. Price; and Sunday School Superintendent, Sister 
Johnie M. Thompson.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mount 
Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church for serving as a pillar of 
steadfast dedication, providing an ever growing spiritual place of 
worship within the Bolton community for 150 years.

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