Bill Text: VA SJR106 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2016-02-05 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ106ER) [SJR106 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2016-SJR106-Introduced.html
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16102213D WHEREAS, in 2016, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam celebrates 150 years of steadfast faith and ministry to its neighbors and the community through worship, fellowship, service, and outreach; and WHEREAS, Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded in 1866 after a resolution adopted by worshippers at Mount Olivet Baptist Church resulted in the dismissal of the church's black members, who then formed their own congregation; and WHEREAS, approximately 200 worshippers were the founders of Ebenezer Baptist church; they first gathered at a nearby crossroads, and in 1868, the church moved to its present location where members built the group's first worship space out of logs and a brush arbor; and WHEREAS, in the early years, Ebenezer Baptist Church was led by the Rev. Walker Quarles, the Rev. Slow, and the Rev. E.J. Smith until the Rev. John Clarke was appointed the church's first permanent pastor; a log cabin was erected, which soon was replaced by a frame church; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of Rev. Clarke, the first officers of Ebenezer Baptist Church were selected and the church soon became a vital presence in the black community in northwestern Hanover County, providing joyful worship opportunities, spiritual sustenance, and assistance to those in need; and WHEREAS, in 1912, a new church was built and subsequently remodeled and expanded; in the 1920s, the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church also played a major role in establishing a public school in the area; and WHEREAS, other longtime ministers at Ebenezer Baptist Church include the Rev. E.E. Robinson and the Rev. D.J. Ragland, who was installed as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1955; during his tenure, the church purchased a new organ, formed choirs, and established clubs; and WHEREAS, by the mid-20th century, Ebenezer Baptist Church's roots were firmly established; five deacons and one trustee were ordained, a record was made of the church's Easter Cantata program, the church celebrated its centennial, and the current building was constructed; and WHEREAS, in 1977, the Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney was called to be pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and except for a two-year period beginning in 1979 when the Rev. Bobby Gattison led the church, he has been at the helm of this vibrant faith community; and WHEREAS, Ebenezer Baptist Church is guided by the Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney's philosophy that children are the church today, and among the church's many programs are those that are specifically designed to guide and support young people on their faith journey; and WHEREAS, as the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church celebrate 150 years of ministry and service, the church continues its mission to show love and concern for all people through its many charitable endeavors and ministries; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam on the occasion of its 150th anniversary in 2016; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for its long history of ministry and outreach to the people of Hanover County and the Commonwealth. |
