Senate Concurrent Resolution 529

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING REVEREND JERRY YOUNG AS THE FIRST MISSISSIPPI PASTOR CHOSEN AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA.

WHEREAS, Reverend Jerry Young is ready to lead Baptists here and across the country. Reverend Jerry Young, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, has made history as the first Mississippi Pastor chosen as the new President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, the largest group of African-American Christians in the state; and

WHEREAS, the 134th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention took place September 4, 2014, in New Orleans, and Reverend Young was elected from a field of five candidates nominated for the seat. Young garnered 3,195 of the 6,400 votes cast. 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. Young succeeds Julius R. Scruggs, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, elected President September 10, 2009, during the 129th annual session. 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. 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, born in Scott, Mississippi, son of a minister, Young grew up in the Civil Rights era and chose a religious life at 17. In 1980 he began to preach at New Hope Baptist Church which has grown to 3,000 members and boasts a related preschool and elementary school with 300 students and 44 ministers. Elected President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Young was appointed Vice President of the national convention in 2009. Supporters said he has shown a strong track record as a stable leader sticking closely to the Gospel; 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. He received 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. With her support and encouragement, Pastor Young earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Instilling the values of faith, education, and love, they are the proud parents of two daughters, Dr. Jerlen Nelson and Kelli Elizabeth (Benjamin) Hart. 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. Reverend Young seeks to push the convention in new directions. He said he wants the convention to expand its profile, with its leaders becoming regular voices in the public. "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. A highly skilled and sought-after minister, Dr. Young has had the opportunity to preach in pulpits across the country and has breached several racial and denominational lines, touching them with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 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 Dr. Young is more than a Pastor, he has become a national leader, and 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:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate Reverend Jerry Young as the first Mississippi Pastor chosen as President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Legislature to 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 Young and his family, forwarded to the Governing Board of the National Baptist Convention and Mississippi National Baptist Convention and New Hope Baptist Church, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.