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1997 SESSION

970222208
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 741
Offered February 12, 1997
Commending Providence Presbyterian Church.
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Patron-- Dickinson
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Consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Providence Presbyterian Church in Gum Spring is the oldest frame Presbyterian church in continuous use in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, founded 250 years ago, Providence Presbyterian Church was built in the early 1740s and used as a meeting house until Samuel Morris journeyed to Williamsburg and secured the permission of Governor Gooch for the parishioners to worship as Presbyterians; and

WHEREAS, Samuel Davies was sent by the Presbytery of New Castle, Delaware, to minister to the new flock in Virginia, and his oratory affected many, including a young Patrick Henry, who later acknowledged Davies' influence on his oratorical skills; and

WHEREAS, the second pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church, John Todd, led the church for 41 years and headed a classical school for boys nearby that was attended by James Madison and James Monroe, both of whom probably also heard Todd's sermons at the church; and

WHEREAS, John Williamson, a friend of both Samuel Davies and John Todd, willed to Providence Presbyterian Church two silver cups, which have been used during every communion at the church for over 200 years; and

WHEREAS, from these historically rich antecedents, Providence Presbyterian Church has provided a sanctuary for worship during every war in which Virginia has played a part, beginning with the French and Indian Wars; and

WHEREAS, for 250 years, a group of faithful parishioners has always been available to keep open the doors of Providence Presbyterian Church, a monument to faith, history, and the importance of worship; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Providence Presbyterian Church on the occasion of its 250th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Providence Presbyterian Church as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations on achieving this milestone anniversary.