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2010 SESSION

10105688D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 419
Offered March 5, 2010
Commending First Baptist Church in Danville on the occasion of its 175th anniversary.
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Patrons-- Marshall, D.W. and Merricks; Senator: Hurt
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WHEREAS, First Baptist Church in Danville is recognized for its many contributions to the community and its neighbors on the occasion of the church’s 175th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church in Danville was founded in 1834 by 25 faithful Baptist believers, who came together from church homes in Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties to start a new church; and

WHEREAS, the congregation of First Baptist Church first met in the Masonic Temple on Craghead Street; later moved to the first permanent church at the corner of Ridge and Patton Streets; and, outgrowing that building, constructed a gothic revival style building on Main Street in 1885; and

WHEREAS, early in its history in 1853, First Baptist Church began a beneficial and productive partnership with what is now Averett University to better serve the needs of the Danville community; and

WHEREAS, over the years, First Baptist Church has continually improved and expanded its programs and ministries for its members and people in need in the community and was one of the first churches in the district to form a Sunday school; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church was nearly destroyed by fire in 1905, leaving only the exterior walls and the spire; devoted members immediately rebuilt their beautiful church and have since constructed two additions, one in 1929 and the other in 1953; and

WHEREAS, committed to outreach and planting seeds of faith, First Baptist Church members have helped begin nine other churches, as well as sponsored the work of several missionary couples and mission projects at the local, national, and global level; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church has been served over the years by immensely dedicated and able pastors, who have provided visionary leadership, devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and

WHEREAS, today, First Baptist Church is led by the Reverend Stephen Cook, who has served as pastor since August 2006; and

WHEREAS, throughout its 175-year history, First Baptist Church has provided its devoted congregation, its neighbors, and the community a place to worship, to help others, and to grow in faith and service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate First Baptist Church in Danville on the occasion of its 175th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to First Baptist Church in Danville as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for a joyful celebration and future success in its ministry.