WHEREAS, in 2014, Burkeville Presbyterian Church celebrates 140 years of spiritual leadership of and service to the Burkeville community; and

WHEREAS, Burkeville Presbyterian Church traces its roots to 1873, when a small group began holding worship services at a freight station on the first Sunday of each month; with help and generous donations from community members, the congregation constructed a church building in 1874; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Theoderick Pryor served as the first pastor of Burkeville Presbyterian Church from 1874 to 1890, and more than 20 pastors have followed his example and helped spread the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, in 1919, the Women of the Church established the Helen M. Agnew Auxiliary in memory of its first president to better support the church and serve the community; and

WHEREAS, Burkeville Presbyterian Church continued to grow over the years, adding a balcony to seat the growing congregation, classrooms for Sunday school in 1955, and a modern, digital organ in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Burkeville Presbyterian Church will commemorate its 140th anniversary on October 5, 2014, with a special homecoming service and a luncheon on the church grounds; and

WHEREAS, Burkeville Presbyterian Church has been an essential part of the Burkeville community for over a century, providing joyful worship services and valued community outreach; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Burkeville Presbyterian Church for its work to serve and uplift members of the community on the occasion of its 140th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Burkeville Presbyterian Church as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its storied history and contributions to the Town of Burkeville.