AL SJR104

Commends Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Bessemer, Alabama on its 97th Anniversary celebration on May 15, 2011.

Church was founded on May 6, 1914 by Christian men and women who established a central place of worship at the edge of a mining camp called "Sloss" in southeastern Bessemer, with Reverend W.M. Brown as the first Pastor.

Present brick structure was erected in the late 1960s with additional property acquired as the church grew spiritually and financially over the decades.

Reverend Victor L. Harkins, Sr. has served as pastor since October 1998, maintaining traditions while expanding programs, ministries, and community outreach.

Senate adopted the resolution on April 27, 2011 and House adopted it on June 9, 2011.