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2018 SESSION

18107773D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 532
Offered March 5, 2018
Commending Olive Branch Baptist Church.
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Patron-- Tyler
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WHEREAS, for 150 years, Olive Branch Baptist Church in Dinwiddie has provided spiritual leadership, generous outreach, and opportunities for joyful worship in the Baptist tradition; and

WHEREAS, in 1868, the founders of Olive Branch Baptist Church met under an olive tree to plan the new faith community; the first services were held under a bush arbor until the congregation was able to build a small house of worship, and baptisms were held in nearby Gravelly Run Creek; and

WHEREAS, as the congregation grew, the members of Olive Branch Baptist Church built a multipurpose, one-room church, which became the sanctuary area of the church after numerous expansions and renovations; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Olive Branch Baptist Church grew in spirit and in membership, reaching 1,000 congregants, and developed educational programs, a volunteer choir, and praise and evangelical teams; and

WHEREAS, in 2003, the Reverend Kevin M. Northam was elected as pastor; under his leadership, Olive Branch Baptist Church expanded its athletic program, reorganized Bible study groups and other educational programs, updated the church’s website and member database, and adopted a school in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Northam also developed a revised mission statement for Olive Branch Baptist Church, installed several associate ministers, and reinstated the church in the United Churches of Dinwiddie; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Northam organized two fundraising programs to support the construction of a new church building, and on August 10, 2014, Olive Branch Baptist Church held its first services at its current location; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Olive Branch Baptist Church on the occasion of its 150th 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 Kevin M. Northam, pastor of Olive Branch Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the church’s long history and legacy of service to the community.