08 LC 95
0988
Senate
Resolution 1339
By:
Senator Ramsey, Sr. of the 43rd
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
Miller's Chapel Baptist Church on the occasion of its 107th anniversary; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Miller's Chapel Baptist Church, nestled on a small hill in Conyers, Georgia, was
founded in 1901 by a band of faithful people, G. B. Bailey, Lizzie Miller, N. T.
Merritt and W. W. Weaver; and
WHEREAS,
the first members to join the founders and unite at Miller's Chapel included
Deacon Joe Lackey, Deacon Boyce Smith, Deacon Hail, and Sister Sallie McMullen;
and
WHEREAS,
during the first 45 years of its existence, several ministers served as the
leaders of Miller's Chapel, including Reverends Madley, Mosley, Cooper, Giles,
Crushfield, Thomas, and Jackson; and
WHEREAS,
in 1946, the church leadership would stabilize and became rooted in the
community under Pastor G. F. Gude; and
WHEREAS,
in 1986, Reverend Avery Headd became the assistant pastor and served in that
capacity until October, 1994, when he replaced Pastor Gude who retired, and
under his leadership, the male chorus was organized in March, 1987, along with
the youth choir; and
WHEREAS,
Reverend Avery Headd became Miller's Chapel ninth pastor until December, 1995,
and in March, 1996, Reverend Antonio Sewell was appointed pastor and dutifully
served until December, 1996; and
WHEREAS,
in March, 1997, Reverend Alden Sadder, Sr., became Miller's Chapel eleventh
pastor, and under his guidance, the church would elevate and gradually prepare
for a new order for God's work to be effectively delivered under his leadership;
and
WHEREAS,
during his first year as Senior Pastor, the inside baptismal pool was installed,
and Sister Hope Jordan was the first to enter in the pool; and
WHEREAS,
on March 11, 2001, Reverend Archie Skipper, Jr., was the first minister to be
ordained under the leadership of Pastor Sadder, and Reverend Skipper served as
assistant pastor until May, 2005; and
WHEREAS,
under the leadership of Pastor Sadler, in September, 2003, Miller's Chapel
initiated a powerful outreach initiative to the community through its Drama
Ministry, and the first play, "Yes Lord," written and directed by Sister Patrice
Pennington, was held at Rockdale County High School and filled each of the 500
seats; and
WHEREAS,
Sister E. Freeman reorganized the Youth Choir, and out of the choir came the
dance ministry; fueled by this visionary path, Miller's Chapel has developed the
following ministries: intercessory prayer, women̓s hour, drama, audio
visual and communications, and newsletter; and
WHEREAS,
Reverend Anthony Smith was called to Millers Chapel April, 2007, as the twelfth
pastor, and under his leadership, plans are to incorporate others into God's
family through the teachings of Matthew 28:19: fellowship, communicating God's
word though evangelism, demonstration of God's love through services,
celebrating God's presence in worship, and educating God's people through
discipleship; and
WHEREAS,
looking back over the years, God has truly blessed Miller's Chapel, and the
church has come this far through faith.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join
together to commend the congregation of Miller's Chapel Baptist Church for their
faithful service to the community and congratulate them on their 107th
anniversary.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is hereby authorized and
directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Miller's Chapel
Baptist Church.