WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr., an honorable veteran, esteemed pastor, devoted civil rights activist and advocate, and beloved member and leader of the Newport News community, died on February 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, a native of Newport News, Marcellus Harris worked at the Newport News Shipyard as a teenager and graduated from the historic Collis P. Huntington High School in 1960; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris enlisted with the United States Navy and served his country with honor and distinction during the war in Vietnam, where he heard his calling to preach and serve others as a faith leader; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris attended West Virginia State University and earned degrees from Norfolk State University, United Christian College, National Theological Seminary and College, Richmond Virginia Seminary, and Canaan Theological Seminary and College, with his highest educational achievement being a doctor of ministry degree; and

WHEREAS, after returning to Newport News in 1969, Marcellus Harris began his ministry work at Ivy Baptist Church, and, two years later, became the pastor of First Baptist Church Morrison, where he would lead the congregation until his retirement in 2016; and

WHEREAS, as the pastor of First Baptist Church Morrison, Marcellus Harris provided his congregation with uplifting spiritual guidance and abundant opportunities for worship, fellowship, and community outreach; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris' indefatigable efforts at First Baptist Church Morrison were vital to the church's growth and development over the years, contributing greatly to its prosperity and longevity; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris was a tireless advocate for racial justice, equality, and civil rights and a valuable voice in the community at countless school board meetings, city council sessions, and other occasions; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris extended his ministry beyond the church in various ways, including as the host of a radio show on the Christian station WTJZ, as a frequent contributor to The New Journal and Guide, as founder of United Campus Ministries at Christopher Newport University, as vice president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, and as a member of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris was dedicated to the well-being of young people in the Newport News community, coaching youth basketball and serving as a mentor to many over the years; and

WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Annette; his six children and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Dr. Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr., a treasured member of the Newport News community who was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr. Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.