Bill Text: GA HR277 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Church, Mr. Robert Thomas, Sr.; condolences; invite family to House
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2009-03-05 - House Passed/Adopted [HR277 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2009-HR277-Introduced.html
09 LC 94
0310
House
Resolution 277
By:
Representatives James of the
135th
and Sellier of the
136th
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
the life and memory of Mr. Robert Thomas Church, Sr., and inviting his family to
appear before the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Mr. Robert Thomas Church, Sr., was born in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, on
September 26, 1909, to sharecropper parents and humble beginnings;
and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Church attended the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, for both high
school and college, working his way through school by cleaning rooms at the
Holly Tree Inn guesthouse; and
WHEREAS,
after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from
Hampton Institute, Mr. Church returned home to his beloved Georgia to begin his
prosperous and selfless career in the field of education; and
WHEREAS,
after spending time as a teacher and a principal, Mr. Church was hired by the
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service as its first Negro County
Extension Agent, teaching the latest agricultural techniques to African American
farmers and their families in Fort Valley, Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Church's work was instrumental in increasing agricultural production and
improving the standard of living for countless families in Georgia and
encouraging area youth to become involved in state farming competitions and
their local 4-H clubs; and
WHEREAS,
in 1949, Mr. Church assumed leadership of Fort Valley State College's Ham and
Egg Show, an annual competition showcasing home-cured hams and high quality
eggs, and his guidance and dedication led to its wide expansion into a regional
event and to it being featured on NBC national news; and
WHEREAS,
after earning his master's degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1958, Mr. Church
worked to remove past inequalities and establish equal pay for County Extension
Agents of all races; and
WHEREAS,
after his retirement from the Georgia Extension Service in 1969, Mr. Church
remained committed to public service and was elected to the Fort Valley City
Council, where he was responsible for spearheading the city's certification,
paving streets, and providing sidewalks; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Church also dedicated 25 years to the Department of Children and Family
Services at the local and state levels, serving as chairman for 15 years;
and
WHEREAS,
a true champion for others during his life, Mr. Church was an active mentor and
advisor for the United Way, assisted local farmers with limited means apply for
loans and social security, and worked zealously to obtain federal grant money to
upgrade substandard housing in Peach County; and
WHEREAS,
his remarkable life and service was recognized in 2003 with the National History
Maker's Award and the prestigious George Washington Carver Public Service Hall
of Fame Award by Tuskegee University; and
WHEREAS,
this benevolent and honorable gentleman gave inspiration to many through his
high ideals, morals, and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and it is only
fitting and proper that he be appropriately recognized for his many
contributions to the State of Georgia and this nation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body hereby join in honoring the life and memory of Mr. Robert Thomas
Church, Sr.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body invite Mr. Church's daughter,
Mrs. Ruby Annette Church Engram, and son, Mr. Robert T. Church, Jr., to appear
before the House of Representatives on such date and at such time as determined
by the Speaker of the House in order to receive an appropriate copy of this
resolution.
