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1996 SESSION

966253705
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 165
Offered March 4, 1996
Commending Zion Baptist Church in Newport News.
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Patrons-- Maxwell and Williams; Delegates: Christian, Crittenden, Diamonstein and Hamilton
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Consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church was organized in 1896 under a cherry tree at 20th Street in Newport News by a group of 13 baptized Christians who had migrated to Newport News from across Virginia and the Carolinas; and

WHEREAS, in 1896, 20th Street was an area notorious for its gambling casinos, houses of prostitution, bars and dance halls where numerous murders occurred; and these 13 Christians determined that the area needed some form of religious worship; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of the Reverend Moses Tynes, the first tiny church structure was erected in 1897 with materials and labor donated by the community; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Moses Tynes was succeeded by the Reverend C. J. Crudup, a second year student at Virginia Seminary and College, whose challenge shortly after his arrival was to rebuild the church destroyed by fire in spite of financial hardship; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend C. E. Jones, who became minister in 1901, was so successful in building the congregation to more than 1,000 members that, by 1914, he was able to begin construction of the present church building at a cost of $35,000; and

WHEREAS, after 39 years and a rise to national prominence, the Reverend Jones ended his years of service to Zion Baptist Church after an automobile accident in 1941; and

WHEREAS, in 1943, the Reverend Joseph B. Reid of Morehouse College and Boston University assumed leadership for the next 14 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1959, under the leadership of the Reverend S. S. Sutton, Zion Baptist Church broke ground for an Educational Building which was completed in 1962 at a cost of $100,000; and

WHEREAS; Dr. L. T. Daye, the current pastor, assumed the pulpit in 1966, and under his leadership, the church has continued its tremendous progress, especially in its numerous outreach ministries to the community; and

WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church includes among its programs a child care and kindergarten program licensed to care for 180 children; daily tutorial program; senior citizens program; meals on wheels; the Community Assistance School, an adult education program; a 27-bed home for the elderly; a weekly radio ministry; physical fitness programs and a free food distribution program which employees 39 people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly congratulate the Zion Baptist Church of Newport News on the occasion of its 100th Year Birthday Celebration and commend its pastor and the members of its congregation for their Christian leadership and extraordinary community outreach accomplishments; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Dr. L. T. Daye, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, as a tangible reminder of the respect and gratitude of the General Assembly and the citizens of the Commonwealth.