Morrison Heights Baptist Church has a five-year partnership with Iglesia Hispana de Clinton and Pastor Cosme and Eva Arana. The Arana’s came to Clinton in 2006 after being evacuated from New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina. After relocating here they started an Hispanic Bible study in their apartment. A few months later there were so many attending the Bible study they requested a space at the Mission and Ministry Campus. Morrison Heights agreed to loan them the old pastorium, which they soon outgrew. Following prayerful consideration Morrison Heights agreed to partner with the Arana’s in the establishment of Iglesia Hispana de Clinton.
The original worship facility of Morrison Heights was a small chapel which had been transformed into Sunday school space some time ago. The Mission Committee of Morrison Heights determined that the Chapel was the ideal place for the new Church to meet and should be restored to its original condition. In November of 2005 renovations began on the Chapel project and on the second Sunday of July 2006, Pastor Cosme preached his first sermon in the restored Chapel.
Iglesia Hispana de Clinton held an anniversary celebration Friday, July 8, 2011. The evening began with a wonderful meal provided by the church and hosted by key leaders of the church (pictured to the right). Afterwards, Rev. Chris Goolsby reflected on his relationship with the Aranas. They met Rev. Goolsby at FBC Hazlehurst where they took shelter after evacuating New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.
Next, Rev. David Alexander, whom they met through the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board’s Church Planting Department, shared his congratulations and encouragement for the Aranas and the church. In conclusion, Rev. Mark Sandifer, Mission Pastor of Morrison Heights Baptist Church, reflected on the relationship between Morrison Heights and Iglesia Hispana de Clinton.
The celebration concluded with Pastor Cosma Arana presenting MHBC Mission Pastor, Rev. Mark Sandifer, with a plaque thanking Morrison Heights Baptist Church for their support and partnership in starting and sustaining this new church plant.
