SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2014 SPECIAL SESSION I

14200242D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5084
Offered June 4, 2014
Commending Amelia Baptist Church.
----------
Patrons-- Wright; Senator: Martin
----------

WHEREAS, in 2014, Amelia Baptist Church celebrates 100 years of serving and uplifting the members of the Amelia County community; and

WHEREAS, Amelia Baptist Church was established in 1914 when members of several denominations began meeting for songs and Bible study in a small schoolhouse on what is today known as the Ward farm; the group later met in the county high school and the county court house; and

WHEREAS, in July 1916, the group called a pastor and officially requested membership in the Middle District Baptist Association; Amelia Baptist Church held its first baptism on July 23, 1916, adding nine new members to the growing community; and

WHEREAS, Amelia Baptist Church worked with other local churches to build a parsonage for ministers, and in 1922, construction began on a church sanctuary and Sunday school classrooms; the original building was completed on August 5, 1923; and

WHEREAS, Amelia Baptist Church continued to grow, completing enhancements and renovations in the 1950s and 1960s and construction on an educational building in 1971; the church also unveiled an outdoor pavilion for picnics, Bible school, and other activities in 1991; and

WHEREAS, on September 26, 1999, Amelia Baptist Church dedicated its new ministry center, which serves the needs of the congregation through adult Bible study courses and senior, youth, ladies, and music ministries; and

WHEREAS, Amelia Baptist Church participates in mission trips and programs at local, national, and international levels; the members of the church work to enhance the community by offering their time and talents to numerous charitable organizations and support groups; and

WHEREAS, from May 28, 2014, to June 8, 2014, Amelia Baptist Church will commemorate its 100th anniversary with concerts, speakers, special guests, and displays of church memorabilia; two time capsules will be opened and a new capsule will be placed in the foundation of the original church building with instructions for it to be opened in 2064; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Amelia Baptist Church on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Vernon Gilmer, pastor of Amelia Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the church’s long tradition of outreach to and spiritual leadership of the Amelia County community.