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S. R. No. 20 *SS08/R1261* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) Blackwell, McLendon
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 20
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF ST. 1
LUKE CHURCH OF OLIVE BRANCH, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE BEST 2
WISHES OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE CONGREGATION AND CLERGY. 3
WHEREAS, we join the leadership and congregation of St. Luke 4
Church of Olive Branch, Mississippi, "The Ark of the Community" on 5
the occasion of their 100-year anniversary, a great day in the 6
life of this Christian fellowship; and 7
WHEREAS, since its founding in 1925, St. Luke Church has been 8
a cornerstone of the Olive Branch community, committed to 9
uplifting lives through faith, outreach, education, and 10
compassion; and 11
WHEREAS, the history of the St. Luke Church dates back to 12
1925, when it was established by Millissis Shannon and her 13
husband, Charles. There were approximately 12 members. Church 14
services were held in homes and in what was known as bush harbors; 15
and 16
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WHEREAS, the first pastor of the church was Elder Bonner, who 17
was succeeded by Elder James Lee. Succeeding Elder Lee was Elder 18
W.E Garner, who served for 33 years; and 19
WHEREAS, in 1964, Elder Walter Shannon became the pastor of 20
the church. Under his leadership, the church was renamed "St. 21
Luke Church of God in Christ." Elder Walter Shannon served as 22
pastor until the Lord called him home in 1997. His son, Elder 23
Earl Allen Shannon, was appointed to the leadership position of 24
the church in 1997. St. Luke Church has grown from 12 members to 25
a congregation of over 1,000 members. The late Elder Walter 26
Shannon had a vision; Elder Earl Allen Shannon has brought the 27
vision to pass. Under Elder Earl Shannon's leadership, the church 28
has provided a wealth of outreach programs and ministries to the 29
beautiful city of Olive Branch and worldwide; and 30
WHEREAS, as they reflect on a century of God's faithfulness 31
and service to the people of this state, the church's leadership 32
has remained steadfast in its mission to inspire hope, foster 33
unity, and advance the common good; and 34
WHEREAS, on behalf of the leadership and congregation of St. 35
Luke Church, the Senate is honored to share the celebration of a 36
historic milestone, a 100-year anniversary of ministry, community 37
service, and spiritual leadership in the great State of 38
Mississippi: 39
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 40
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Centennial 41
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ST: Commemorate the Centennial Celebration of
St. Luke Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Celebration of St. Luke Church of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and 42
extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the 43
congregation and clergy. 44
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to 45
St. Luke Superintendent Earl Allen Shannon on behalf of the 46
congregation and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps. 47