PHOTO SUBMITTED Dr. Hal Kitchings, pastor of Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, delivered an opening prayer to the state Senate on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the invitation of Sen. Jason Barrett, also of Brookhaven. Barrett led the Pledge of Allegiance before Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann guided lawmakers through the day’s agenda. From left, Barrett, Kitchings and Hosemann.

Dr. Hal Kitchings, pastor of Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, delivered an opening prayer to the state Senate on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the invitation of Sen. Jason Barrett, also of Brookhaven. Barrett led the Pledge of Allegiance before Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann guided lawmakers through the day’s agenda.