WHEREAS, for 25 years, the Reverend Anthony Curtis Paige has served and strengthened the Lambert's Point community in Norfolk as pastor of First Baptist Church Lambert's Point; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Paige graduated from Stillman College and Virginia Union University School of Theology; he joined First Baptist Church Lambert's Point in 1991 and immediately expanded the church's ministries and created new opportunities for outreach; and

WHEREAS, known for his thought-provoking sermons and spiritual wisdom, Anthony Paige has helped the First Baptist Church Lambert's Point congregation grow together in faith and fellowship; he also served as longtime secretary of the Virginia State Baptist Convention; and

WHEREAS, under Anthony Paige's leadership, First Baptist Church Lambert's Point completed construction on a worship, education, and mission center to better serve the congregation and other local residents; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Paige is an active leader outside of the church; he supported the establishment of the Village Pointe senior apartment project and served on the Virginia Board of Corrections, the Old Dominion Board of Visitors, and the Norfolk City Planning Commission, where he worked to preserve the Lambert's Point neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Anthony Paige has inspired others to answer the call to ministry, and he has ordained and licensed 12 ministers, six of whom went on to earn Master of Divinity degrees; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Reverend Anthony Curtis Paige hereby be commended for his service to the community on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church Lambert's Point; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Anthony Curtis Paige as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his spiritual leadership and devotion to the residents of Lambert's Point.