Bill Text: VA HR307 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Reverend Dr. James Lewis Sailes.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-05 - Bill text as passed House (HR307ER) [HR307 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR307-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. James Lewis Sailes ably served the congregation of Antioch Baptist Church in Henrico County as head pastor for nearly four decades; and
WHEREAS, James Sailes was installed as the eighth pastor of Antioch Baptist Church on October 12, 1986, and oversaw the growth and spiritual development of the congregation, as well as numerous enhancements to the church; and
WHEREAS, James Sailes directed the purchase of land adjoining the church property, which included the historic Chatsworth School, and launched a building and renovation project that resulted in the construction of a new multipurpose room, six classrooms, a library, a kitchen, enlarged offices, and a new parking lot; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, James Sailes' wife, Gail, founded the Antioch Learning Center to better service young people in the community; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, James Sailes led the Antioch Baptist Church congregation into its new sanctuary, featuring a state-of-the-art sound system, a baptistery, stained glass windows, and an administrative wing for offices and classrooms; and
WHEREAS, James Sailes guided the congregation through the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to the use of virtual services and protective measures to help keep the congregation safe; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Reverend Dr. James Lewis Sailes hereby be commended for his decades of services as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Dr. James Lewis Sailes as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to the Henrico County community as a spiritual leader.
