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2001 SESSION

017717456
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 471
Offered January 24, 2001
On the death of Bishop Charles H. Bowens II.
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Patrons-- Lucas, Barry, Bolling, Byrne, Chichester, Colgan, Couric, Edwards, Forbes, Hanger, Hawkins, Houck, Howell, Lambert, Marsh, Martin, Marye, Maxwell, Miller, K.G., Miller, Y.B., Mims, Newman, Norment, Potts, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Rerras, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Stolle, Stosch, Ticer, Trumbo, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins, Whipple and Williams
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Consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Bishop Charles H. Bowens II, a prominent religious and civic leader in Portsmouth and longtime pastor of New Testament Church, died on January 6, 2001; and

WHEREAS, a native of Portsmouth, Charles Bowens was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, served his country in the U.S. Navy, and earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia State College (now University); and

WHEREAS, after earning his master's degree from Hampton Institute (now University), Charles Bowens began his teaching career at Crestwood High School in Chesapeake, then taught at Western Branch High School until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, after service as pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church in Chesapeake and the Little Zion Baptist Church in Drivers, Charles Bowens became pastor of New Testament Church in 1974, where he led his congregation for 26 years; and

WHEREAS, a member of numerous religious and civic organizations, Charles Bowens served as president of the local chapter of the NAACP, as president of Church and Community in Action, as president of the Cavalier Manor Civic League, and as a member of the Metro Baptist Ministers' Conference; and

WHEREAS, Charles Bowens was a former member of the Portsmouth City School Board and was a founder of the African American Museum of Virginia, located in Portsmouth; and

WHEREAS, for his tireless activities on behalf of his community, Charles Bowens was recognized with numerous citations and awards, from, among others, the City of Portsmouth, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia School Board Association, and the Senate of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, a man of exceptional achievement, Charles Bowens will be missed by his large and loving family, by the parishioners of New Testament Church, and by his countless friends, colleagues, and admirers in the Portsmouth community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the passing of Bishop Charles H. Bowens II; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bishop Charles H. Bowens II as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.