WHEREAS, Reverend Devlaming A. Peace, Sr., a humble and faithful pastor, has led Zion Bethel United Church of Christ in Portsmouth for the past 30 years; and

WHEREAS, a native of North Carolina, Reverend Peace graduated from Hillside High School and received a bachelor's degree from Shaw University Divinity School; a master of divinity from Union Christian Bible Institute, and a doctorate from International Seminary; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace continued his studies throughout his career at Duke University Divinity School, Howard University School of Divinity, and several other institutions and received an honorary doctorate from the Ministry of Salvation Church; and

WHEREAS, prior to beginning his tenure with Zion Bethel United Church of Christ, Reverend Peace served at Mount Calvary Holy Church, Mount Zion United Church of Christ, and Laodicea United Church of Christ (now Macedonia New Life Church), all located in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace has been the pastor of Zion Bethel United Church of Christ for the past 30 years, leading the congregation in devout worship, overseeing the dedication of a new building, and creating a weekly radio ministry; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace has led Zion Bethel United Church of Christ with great zeal and has seen remarkable growth in faith and members, resulting in the organization of men's and women's ministries, a tutoring program, a drug and substance abuse ministry, and numerous other ministries; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace has also generously given of his time and talents in the community, including service for 23 years on the City of Portsmouth's Civil Service Commission, as president of Black Development Resource, Inc., and as a member of various committees and commissions for several community service organizations; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace has been admired and respected by his congregation, colleagues, and community members for his calm demeanor, visionary leadership, and commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Peace has received many awards and accolades over the years for his commitment to his congregation and community, including the designation of January 28–February 3, 2007 as "Dr. Devlaming A. Peace Birthday Celebration Week" in the City of Portsmouth; and an 11th Annual Implement the King Dream Award and Outstanding Service Award from the Southside Interdenominational Religious Coalition for his 20 years of service as president; and

WHEREAS, a gracious and humble man, Reverend Peace has served Zion Bethel United Church of Christ with honor, integrity, and great dedication to his congregation for three decades; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Reverend Dr. Devlaming A. Peace, Sr., for his 30 years of service as pastor of Zion Bethel United Church of Christ; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Reverend Dr. Devlaming A. Peace, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for his extraordinary commitment to his congregation and community.