(CONTINUED)

Sister Watson was the mother of brothers Earl, Stanley, Thomas, and the late Robert Watson, and a sister Lillie Watson Bradley. Thirteen of her fourteen children joined Goose Creek Baptist Church. The church was dedicated on September 15, 1963. We purchased a church parsonage during the pastorate of the late Robert Letcher, and also paid off the mortgage on our church during this time. The parsonage mortgage was retired 3-4 years ago. Under the leadership of Rev. Richard P. Wilson, Watson Memorial Baptist Church voted to purchase the 18 acres of unimproved land behind our church property in 1980. We were able to retire the loan on the property on September 23, 1993. This was a monumental task for a small congregation, but with God’s help, we persevered to the end. God did not promise us that difficult times and situations would not occur to test us. As Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15: 37-41 parted their ways over a sharp disagreement; such was the case with our church family. After several very narrow majority votes on the issue of relocating and purchasing the Okolona Christian Church, the Watson Family separated on an almost 50-50 basis. In January 2003, approximately 45% of our membership left with Rev. Charles Young to conduct services elsewhere. May God bless both congregations, as there is more than enough evangelistic and caring work for all who care to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Pulpit Committee deliberated and selected several candidates for the church to consider for our pastor. Rev. Kevin Smith was not named in the candidates that the pulpit committee selected because he had not formally aspired for the position, but God’s will was done through the prayers and obedience of the congregation and Pastor Smith. Pastor Smith was selected as our Spiritual Leader and delivered his first sermon as our Pastor on February 1, 2004. He is a gifted preacher, a spirited and dynamic teacher, and we look forward to following his leadership in the years to come. Under Pastor Smith’s leadership, we have purchased a $140,000 home that borders our present property and also we have initiated the process to erect a Life Center with a sanctuary and classrooms included. Thank God for His blessings!