WHEREAS, for 125 years, Swansboro Baptist Church has served and uplifted the members of the Southside Richmond community through morning worship services, religious education, and ministry and outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, originally known as Third Baptist Church, Swansboro Baptist Church was established in 1889 by nine founding members, and the congregation met in private homes for much of its early history; and

WHEREAS, in 1890, the Reverend Richard Graham became the first pastor of Swansboro Baptist Church; to better serve the congregation, a frame church was built on 30th Street in 1897 and was moved to a new location on Midlothian Turnpike in 1914; and

WHEREAS, Swansboro Baptist Church made numerous improvements and was ably led by several pastors until the Reverend Herbert R. Plummer became the 16th pastor in 1964; throughout his 47-year tenure, the church moved to its current location and the congregation experienced significant growth; and

WHEREAS, Swansboro Baptist Church installed the Reverend Aamon Miller as pastor in 2012, and he has successfully carried out the church's mission to "Love God, Love People, Love Life"; and

WHEREAS, Swansboro Baptist Church will commemorate its 125th anniversary with a special service on November 2, 2014; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Swansboro Baptist Church for its spiritual leadership and efforts to enhance the community on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Aamon Miller, pastor of Swansboro Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its devoted service to the members of the Southside Richmond community.