‘Historic inauguration’

Sharon Gipson, shortly after taking the oath of office June 26 as the first female mayor of Holly Springs, said it’s a time to celebrate, but the work is just beginning.

“There’s so many things we want to do for the city,” she said.

“We’re blessed to have so many talented people in Holly Springs, and there’s nothing we can’t do.” She referred back to a poem read earlier in the ceremony by Gloria Suggs. The title of the poem was “If you believe in something.” It included the words — “Reach high for it and make it happen.” The new mayor said, “We are going to do whatever we can to move this city forward.” The historic inauguration took place in front of the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum on North Randolph Street with a large crowd gathered on the lawn on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Gipson grew up in Holly Springs. She is a graduate of Holly Springs High School, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. She is a former alderman for Ward 2.

The new mayor thanked everyone for their help and support. She recognized all board members, including Ward 1 alderman Bernita Fountain, who enters her third term, and new alderman at-large Dexter Shipp, both also sworn in during the ceremony. Unable to attend were Andre Jones, Ward 2; Colter Teel, Ward 3; and Patricia LeSueur Merriweather, Ward 4. They took the oath of office later, on June 30.

“This is a dynamic team, and we look forward to working together,” Gipson said.

She also pointed to the two previous mayors in the crowd ­ Kelvin Buck and Andre DeBerry.

“I thank these two for inspiring me,” Gipson said. “I will be calling, calling and calling.

“And we plan to put you to work. We need your wisdom and knowledge.” She said being the first female mayor of Holly Springs is something she will not take lightly.

“I will work really hard to make everyone proud ­ to be a person you can put your trust in,” Gipson said.

Cathy Elliott Brittenum, justice court judge in Marshall County, called the inauguration to order.

“This is a momentous occasion,” she said, “and I’m glad to be a part of this historical event.” Telsa DeBerry, pastor of Opulent Life Church, gave the invocation.

“This is an awesome occasion, and we ask that you anoint it,” he prayed, “and endow these officials with your spirit. Let your presence be known in all their actions.”

Thelbert Lesure gave the welcome.

“We’re blessed to be here,” he said. “I know we all feel this way. Enjoy yourself as we continue on this new journey.”

Armastine Gipson followed with an inspiring musical selection, “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” and she sang another, “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” later in the ceremony.

Kent Falkner, president of the museum board, presented an “Ode to Ida B. Wells.” The African-American journalist, anti-lynching activist and advocate for civil rights and women’s rights was in Holly Springs on July 16, 1862, on the property that is now the museum.

“I’m so happy that Holly Springs is known as the home of Ida B. Wells, and I’m so proud to be a part of this momentous occasion,” he said. “It will take all of us to move our city forward.”

Elder Dewitt Glover of Cornerstone M.B. Church presented words of wisdom.

He said there are two types of wisdom ­ wisdom of God and wisdom of this world.

“If you lead by the truth of God’s holy word, you will become the most outstanding mayor this city has ever had,” Glover told Gipson. “We love you, and we’re here for you.”

Brittenum administered the oath of office to Fountain, Shipp and Gipson.

Fountain said she is excited for the new journey the next four years.

“I tout Ward 1 and the City of Holly Springs everywhere I go,” she said. “I plan to continue to meet the needs of the citizens to the best of my ability.”

A prayer was led by Pastor Jermarcuis Lesure, New Community M.B. Church.

“God, take care of all of us and our great city and reconnect us as well,” he said. “Refresh all of us.” Johnnie Mae Williams presented words of health and longevity.

She complimented Gipson for caring about the citizens’ health and well-being.

“When we are healthier, we are happier,” Williams said.

Shipp, after being sworn into office, said “together we can accomplish great things.” “Together we stand, divided we fall, and we don’t want to fall,” he said. “We ask for your prayers to help us lead.”

Minister Dalfredrick Dowdy led a prayer and asked God to crown Shipp’s head with wisdom and knowledge as he serves the “great city of Holly Springs.”

Evangelist Linda Terry, with Life Changing Ministries, presented words of faith. She referred to Hebrews 11:1-3.

“Let faith play an integral part in the decisions you make,” she told the new city officials. “Lead with honesty and integrity.”

Gipson’s father, Quentell Gipson, held the Bible for her emotional swearing-in ceremony.

Terry led the official prayer for Gipson after she took the oath of office.

The NAACP and Care Now Pantry made special presentations to the ladies in city leadership, Fountain and Gipson. Participating in the presentation were Rodney Lowe, Johnnie Mae Houston, and Antjuan and Rolanda Lester.

Mistress of ceremony for the inauguration was Patricia Boga.

The new mayor and board of aldermen began their four-year terms on July 1.