MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Coleman (65th), Brown (66th), Scott, Hines, Anderson, Bailey, Banks, Blackmon, Burnett, Calhoun, Clark, Clarke, Cockerham, Coleman (29th), Ellis, Espy, Evans (70th), Gibbs, Harrison, Huddleston (30th), Jackson, Johnson, Middleton, Myers, Perkins, Smith (27th), Thomas, Watson, Williams-Barnes, Wooten, Young
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING REVEREND JERRY YOUNG AS THE FIRST MISSISSIPPI PASTOR CHOSEN AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA.
WHEREAS, Reverend Jerry Young, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, has made history as the first Mississippi Pastor elected as President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., is the nation's oldest and largest African American religious convention with an estimated membership of 7.5 million, the largest group of African-American Christians in the nation; and
WHEREAS, a man of spiritual excellence, he was elected as president at the 134th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention on September 4, 2014, in New Orleans, Louisiana; and WHEREAS, Reverend Young was elected amongst a field of five candidates that were nominated for the seat, with Reverend Young garnering 3,195 of the 6,400 votes cast; and
WHEREAS, his agenda involved assembling a team to work on the organization's "infrastructure" to respond to the needs of members through a unified and fresh vision; and
WHEREAS, his supporters said he has shown a strong track record as a stable leader sticking closely to the Gospel; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Young is held in high regard by many of his peers, Marcus Cathey, Pastor of West Point Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, said "Mississippi is often looked down upon for many reasons, but this election will give the nation the opportunity to see the type of leadership that is produced here in our state"; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Young succeeds Julius R. Scruggs, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, who was previously elected President on September 10, 2009, during the 129th Annual Session; and
WHEREAS, until this historic vote, Reverend Young served as the organization's Vice President at large and also served as President of the Mississippi National Baptist Convention for 12 years; and
WHEREAS, he was born into a family of faith in Scott, Mississippi, as a son of a minister, and chose a religious life at the early age of 17; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, he began to preach at New Hope Baptist Church, which has grown to 3,000 members, 44 ministers and boasts a related preschool and elementary school with 300 students; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Young was elected President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, and later appointed Vice President of the National Convention in 2009; and WHEREAS, an avid scholar and lifelong learner, Pastor Young attended Nugent Center High School in Bolivar County and went on to attain an associate of arts in social science from Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, his passion for understanding people, motivated him to earn a bachelor of science in sociology and social welfare from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he met and married Mrs. Helen Akins Young; and
WHEREAS, with her loving support and encouragement, Pastor Young earned a master of divinity and a doctor of ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, to their union, two daughters, Dr. Jerlen Nelson and Kelli Elizabeth (Benjamin) Hart, were born, whom the Reverend and Mrs. Young have instilled the values of faith, education and love; and
WHEREAS, adding to their life's joy are granddaughters, Linzee Elise Nelson and Lauryn Hailen Nelson; one grandson, Benjamin Jerron Hart II; and one stepgrandson, Picasso Nelson, Jr; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Young seeks to push the convention in innovative directions, by expanding its profile, with its leaders becoming regular voices in the public because he believes, "The community needs to be able to hear from the faith community. The church has got to be socially responsible. For 134 years, the convention has stood as an affiliation of Baptist churches. A lot of good things have happened because of our tradition," Young said; and
WHEREAS, active in the community, Dr. Young has served local, state and national boards and has been awarded numerous prestigious honors and awards. In addition, he is a regularly invited guest to speak/lecture at the various schools, colleges and school districts throughout Mississippi and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, he is a highly skilled and sought-after minister; and who has had the opportunity to preach in pulpits across the country and has traversed several racial and denominational lines, touching them with the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Young serves on the Board of Trustees at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as his alma mater, Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Jerry Young has led his congregation to embrace a vision for ministry and missions, and is more than a Pastor, he has become a national leader; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend one of Mississippi's brightest stars, whose great and good spirit and remarkable intellect enriches the lives of all his congregation and fellow citizens of Mississippi, as well as Baptists around the nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Reverend Jerry Young as the first Mississippi Pastor elected as President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and extend best wishes to him, the members of the National Baptist Convention and New Hope Baptist Church on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Reverend Jerry Young and his family, forwarded to the Governing Board of the National Baptist Convention, the Mississippi National Baptist Convention, New Hope Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.