WHEREAS, for 90 years, Morning Star Baptist Church has provided spiritual guidance, generous outreach, and opportunities for joyful worship to members of the Roanoke community; and

WHEREAS, the Morning Star Baptist Mission was first organized in 1930 by the Reverend E. Blake above a storefront in northeast Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, the mission's leadership passed shortly thereafter to the Reverend W.A. Webb, who called a council to recognize the mission and officially changed its name to Morning Star Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, the Morning Star Baptist Church purchased its first building in 1942 and relocated to its present location a decade later, making several improvements over the years to provide an accommodating sanctuary for worship and fellowship; and

WHEREAS, several pastors have guided the Morning Star Baptist Church congregation over the years, including the Reverend Moore, who led the church for 15 years, and the Reverend Thomas E. Crews, who was with the congregation for more than two decades; and

WHEREAS, since August 17, 1980, the Morning Star Baptist Church has been in the able hands of the Reverend Lee A. Lewis and first lady Annette Lewis, who celebrate their 40th anniversary leading the congregation in 2020; and

WHEREAS, in 1986, the Roanoke Tribune selected Morning Star Baptist Church to be the first church featured in its "Church of the Month" series, a testament to its impact in and value to the community; and

WHEREAS, the Morning Star Baptist Church has adopted new ministries, auxiliaries, and methods over the years to spread its message and reach its congregants, including the "Morning Star Messenger" newsletter started in 1987, the Tape Ministry organized in 1996, and the Saturated with Specific Prayer Service Ministry initiated in 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Morning Star Baptist Church has demonstrated a remarkable ability to grow and prosper since its founding, and will continue to support the spiritual needs of the Roanoke community for many years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Morning Star Baptist Church on the occasion of its 90th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Lee A. Lewis, pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the church's history and its contributions to Roanoke.