The William Cottrell Brown School of Ministry in Meridian has begun its first semester of the 2006-2007 school year.

Students are attending orientation and will start class next week.

While attending school, students are taught every aspect of ministerial work.

"They will be prepared to teach other Christian leaders, to pastor churches, prepare to preach the gospel, and to do any ministry that has to do with church life," said the Rev. William C. Brown, pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church in Meridian.

The school dedication will be Sunday, Sept. 3 at 12 noon, following the morning worship service at the church.