During his nine-year stint as a pastor in Crystal Springs, Jimmy Bryant instituted a special day at his church to honor law enforcement, in recognition of the sacrifices made every day by police officers in the line of duty.
So when Bryant became pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Petal approximately a year and a half ago, he wanted to continue that tradition annually, and even expand it to other first responders, including firefighters, paramedics and the like. To that end, the church will host its inaugural Heroes Appreciation Day at 10 a.m. September 17 at the church, 728 South Main Street in Petal.
“(At first), we had a law enforcement appreciation day, but then I thought about how we have so many volunteers that get like $100 a year (discount on their car) tag, and they put their life on the line,” Bryant said. “Many of your volunteers and firemen are not getting much, so I just really wanted to have this as an annual thing in Petal.”
During the event, first responders will be able to enjoy a meal and gifts from the church staff, and every individual from each branch of that service will be recognized. Any first responder, past or present, is welcome to take part in the Heroes Appreciation Day.
“We’re going to gather around them and pray, to just kind of have a ‘thank you’ for their service and what they do,” Bryant said. “Past or present – if they’re retired also – they are welcome.
“We have in our church the (former) chief of police from years ago, and then we have several that have served as firemen that had retired in Petal.
“A lot of times we recognize veterans on Veterans Day, past and present for those who served, but a lot of times you can serve your local heroes too.”
For the inaugural event, Bryant is expecting approximately 50 first responders, along with about 100 of the church’s usual members.
“I have some family members (that are first responders), and one person I know of who is coming was assistant fire marshal for the state,” he said. “I think we’ve got some sheriffs who are running for office that are going to be there.
“So I’m expecting a pretty good turnout for first responders.”
The addition will also feature live entertainment from Chris Bryant, who is the pastor’s son and the former lead vocalist for The Kingsmen Quartet. The quartet, which specializes in Christian and gospel music, has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and have had hits including “Glory Road,” Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet” and “Love Lifted Me.”
Chris will perform at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on September 17 for Heroes Appreciation Day.
“He sings solo, and he sings with the Kingdom Heirs at Dollywood,” Jimmy Bryant said. “Rachel, his wife, she sings with a group that has sung at Graceland and with Loretta Lynn.
“So they’re coming down and they’re singing. They’ll be doing a concert that morning, and then that evening they’re coming back to do another concert.”
