Bill Text: VA HJR371 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Zion Baptist Church on the occasion of its 145th anniversary.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-05 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ371ER) [HJR371 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-HJR371-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church and its faithful congregation celebrate 145 years of service to the Lord and the Portsmouth community in 2010; and WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church, one of the oldest African American congregations in Portsmouth, was organized in 1865 with 318 members and the Reverend E.G. Corprew as the first pastor; and WHEREAS, over the years, Zion Baptist Church has been ably led by the dedicated Dr. John M. Armistead, Reverend E.E. Smith, Dr. U.G. Wilson, Reverend H. Edward Whitaker, Reverend Walter L. Parrish II, Dr. G. Daniel Jones, Reverend Joseph L. Roberts, Reverend J. Michael Little, and Dr. Kelvin E. Turner; and WHEREAS, these men provided visionary leadership while leading devout worship and directing meaningful Christian education and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church saw its congregation and ministries grow and flourish over the years, including the addition of an Education Building and the Vision Center and an annual Holy Week Revival; and WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church is known for its numerous outreach ministries that focus on the growth and well-being of the Portsmouth community and its citizens in need, including tutoring local children and serving breakfast to the homeless three days a week; and WHEREAS, in 2007 the entire congregation and community was shocked and saddened when a devastating fire destroyed historic Zion Baptist Church's entire sanctuary along with neighboring buildings; and WHEREAS, the strong and faithful congregation has continued to press "Ever Onward" as it meets in a different location, works to rebuild the sanctuary and other buildings, and perseveres in the teaching and preaching of God's word; and WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church will honor its 145th anniversary of service to the Lord and the community with celebratory activities during the weekend of March 12 - 14, 2010; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Zion Baptist Church on the occasion of its 145th anniversary; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Kelvin E. Turner, Senior Pastor at Zion Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and best wishes for future success in its ministries. |
