Bill Text: VA HJR223 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Michael W. Keyes.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ223ER) [HJR223 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR223-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2023, faith leader Michael W. Keyes was installed as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, becoming only the second pastor in the church's 53-year history to lead the congregation; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from New Castle County Vocational–Technical High School in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Michael Keyes enlisted with the United States Navy and served his country faithfully and proudly for more than 20 years, receiving numerous awards, medals, and citations for his service; and
WHEREAS, Michael Keyes subsequently joined American Funds following his service with the United States Navy, where he demonstrated exceptional professionalism and top-tier work ethic as he rose through the company's ranks until his retirement on June 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Michael Keyes first attended Second Baptist Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he was a youth usher and member of the youth choir; and
WHEREAS, Michael Keyes later became a member of New Hope Baptist Church and dedicated himself to the church's mission as an usher and through his involvement with the deacons ministry and the evangelistic ministry; and
WHEREAS, under the tutelage of Dr. E. Ray Cox, Sr., pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Michael Keyes received his licensure to preach and gave his first sermon on October 21, 2012, stepping into his role as special administrative assistant to Pastor Cox; and
WHEREAS, Michael Keyes has honed his abilities as a faith leader by earning a bachelor's degree in religion from Saint Leo University in 2017 and a master of divinity degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University (VUU) in 2020; he is also currently pursuing a doctor of ministry degree at VUU; and
WHEREAS, Michael Keyes was ordained on June 30, 2019, at New Hope Baptist Church, taking the next step toward becoming the church's pastor and spiritual leader; and
WHEREAS, Michael Keyes has embraced his new role at New Hope Baptist Church with clarity of purpose and an unwavering commitment to his congregation and the well-being of others, ensuring the church will continue to be an integral part of the Virginia Beach community for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael W. Keyes for becoming the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Virginia Beach; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael W. Keyes as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of service and best wishes in his future endeavors.
