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2012 SESSION

12102874D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 100
Offered January 16, 2012
Commending the Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith, Sr.
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Patrons-- Petersen, Barker, Black, Colgan, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Garrett, Hanger, Herring, Howell, Locke, Marsden, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, McWaters, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Northam, Puckett, Puller, Reeves and Stanley; Delegate: Keam
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WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith, Sr., celebrated 25 years of exemplary service to historic First Baptist Church of Vienna in 2011; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Reverend Smith earned a master of divinity degree from Howard University and a doctor of ministry degree from Virginia Union University; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Smith has touched the lives of countless individuals through his inspiring words, commitment to community involvement, focus on international ministry, and mentoring of prospective ministers; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Smith came to First Baptist Church of Vienna with a vision of expanded membership and services to the community that resulted in the construction of a new state-of-the-art worship facility in 1996; and

WHEREAS, members and visitors to First Baptist Church of Vienna worship services are warmly welcomed and hear uplifting words from Reverend Smith that teach truth and commitment to God, family, and community; and

WHEREAS, committed to Christian education, Reverend Smith serves as an adjunct professor at Howard University School of Divinity and as a visiting professor at Wesley Theological Seminary; he has also mentored individuals as they pursue careers in the ministry; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Smith has had the opportunity to travel to 11 countries, including the Holy Land, sites of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelations, and the Isle of Patmos; his international experiences have broadened his world view, which he has shared with members of First Baptist Church of Vienna through the formation of international ministries; and

WHEREAS, in June 2005, Reverend Smith was elected president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and currently serves on its board, providing wise counsel and inspired words in support of the Convention’s mission; and

WHEREAS, a familiar face in the community, Reverend Smith served as the president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP and board of directors of the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia and currently provides leadership to the First Baptist Church of Vienna Federal Credit Union board of directors and Vienna Church Coalition for Housing; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Smith has received numerous awards and accolades for his many accomplishments, including the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 2006 Citizen of the Year award and the 2005 James F. Jenkins Pillars of Faith Award; and

WHEREAS, under the humble leadership of Reverend Smith, First Baptist Church of Vienna has experienced continued growth in members, faith, and service for the past 25 years; its members looked back at many cherished memories at a special Silver Anniversary Banquet held in Reverend Smith’s honor on December 11, 2011; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith, Sr., on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his devotion to First Baptist Church of Vienna.