WHEREAS, for 60 years, Providence Baptist Church has strengthened the Newport News community by providing opportunities for worship, joyful evangelism, and generous outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, in April 1964, a group of 13 local residents met in the home of Deacon Carl Fauntleroy to discuss forming their own congregation; Hazel Pride suggested the name Providence Baptist Church, and on May 1, 1964, the group met at Taborian Hall to officially organize the new church; and

WHEREAS, in its early days, Providence Baptist Church installed officers, formed a Missionary Circle, and voted to purchase lots for the construction of a sanctuary and fellowship hall, which was subsequently built by members of the congregation; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend James L. Hargrave was called as the first pastor of Providence Baptist Church in September 1964; over the course of his 15-year tenure he oversaw the creation of men's, women's, and junior usher boards, music ministries, a Sunday school program, and Vacation Bible School; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. James J. Gray succeeded Reverend Hargrave in July 1979 and worked diligently to enhance the spiritual vitality of the church family; he actively sought new members and organized the congregation into 12 tribes, with deacons visiting each family in their tribe to learn about issues in the community and keep the church engaged in everyday life; and

WHEREAS, under Reverend Gray's leadership, Providence Baptist Church implemented a nursery and youth tutoring programs, restructured administrative offices and began construction on a new fellowship hall to better serve the growing congregation, and increased community outreach and charitable giving; and

WHEREAS, the third and current pastor of Providence Baptist Church, the Reverend Dr. Corey L. Brown, preached his first sermon in February 2006 and has fulfilled his original mission to provide sound doctrine and relevant ministry and to help the church become a beacon in the community; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Brown gave the members of the church a sense of direction through new vision and mission statements, focused on developing young leaders in the congregation, and strengthened outreach programs, all contributing to an 81 percent increase in membership; and

WHEREAS, a passionate lifelong learner, Reverend Brown also established the Annual Walk for Education, which has raised more than $195,000 for college scholarships, and a science, technology, engineering, and math ministry to help young people learn about careers in those fields; and

WHEREAS, Providence Baptist Church will commemorate its 60th anniversary with a special service on Sunday, May 19, 2024; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Providence Baptist Church on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Providence Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its contributions to the Newport News community.