12 LC 93 0899

Senate Resolution 1082

By: Senators Heath of the 31st and Rogers of the 21st

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Georgia Women of Achievement's 2012 honoree, Ethel Harpst; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Georgia Women of Achievement recognizes women from Georgia who have made significant contributions in their fields of endeavor, impacted the lives of those around them, and inspired future generations to utilize their own talents; and

WHEREAS, the 2012 honoree, Ethel Harpst, set an example for all women with her determination to make the world a better place; and

WHEREAS, Ethel Harpst began her service at the Women's Home Mission Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1914 teaching children, conducting worship, and caring for the sick in rural Georgia; and

WHEREAS, to support Ms. Harpst's work, the Women's Mission Society established the Ethel Harpst Center in 1924 in Cedartown, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, a Spelman College student, Sarah D. Murphy established a school for poor African American children in 1931, and in response of so many students abandoned by their parents, the school was transformed into an orphanage; and

WHEREAS, in 1984, the two homes merged into the Murphy-Harpst Children's Center where the visions of Sarah Murphy and Ethel Harpst continue to guide its mission as a place where children with no alternatives are welcomed and given hope; and

WHEREAS, the Murphy-Harpst Children's Center has now become a place for Georgia's severely abused children to go for healing and therapy; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Georgia owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Georgia Women of Achievement's 2012 honoree, Ethel Harpst, for her many contributions to her community and this state and the positive role model she represents for women of all ages.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Georgia Women of Achievement for promoting the great efforts of women to improve the quality of life for all Americans and extend congratulations to the family of 2012 honoree Ethel Harpst.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to Georgia Women of Achievement and the family of Ethel Harpst.