HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 190 Offered January 17, 2006 Commending the Reverend Gary G. Pinder. ---------- Patrons-- Scott, J.M. and Plum; Senator: Howell ----------

WHEREAS, the Reverend Gary G. Pinder retired as a full-time minister in October 2005 after faithfully serving the congregation of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean for more than 37 years; and

WHEREAS, a native of Rochester, New York, Gary Pinder received his undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio in 1961, and being called to the ministry, completed seminary at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1965; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from seminary, Gary Pinder was appointed as associate, then pastor, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio; and

WHEREAS, in 1965 Gary Pinder came to Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, serving first as associate pastor, then co-pastor, and in 1985 as senior pastor and has provided his congregation with compassion and comfort in times of grief, as well as great encouragement and blessing in times of celebration; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Gary Pinder helped the members of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church and their neighbors face and endure the ever-changing problems of life—the severe treatment and discrimination of citizens during the civil rights era; the hardships of the Vietnam war; the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other health concerns such as AIDS; and society’s indifference to the needs of minorities and the less-fortunate; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Gary Pinder, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church has seen many changes, most notably in the vitality of worship and the depth of services provided by the church, and the establishment of Alternative House and the senior living facilities of the Lewinsville Retirement Residences, completed in 1980, and the Chesterbrook Residences, Inc., to be completed in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pinder was designated a certified pastoral counselor in 1974 and has since served the church and the community with understanding and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pinder served as a leader on several Habitat for Humanity building projects; as a member of the National Capital Presbytery’s committee on preparation for the ministry; as a member of the Christian education, sessional records, and family life committees; and as chairperson to find pastors for several churches; and

WHEREAS, Gary Pinder has also been active in a wide variety of community-service and charitable organizations, including Miriam’s Kitchen, INOVA blood donor program, Rebuilding Together, Hearts and Hammers, Christ House, L’Arche, Bethany House, Children of Mine Center and Good News Jail Ministry; and

WHEREAS, over a long and fruitful career, Gary Pinder has served the congregation of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church with great devotion, affection, and vision; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Reverend Gary G. Pinder for his many years of outstanding service to Lewinsville Presbyterian 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 Gary G. Pinder as an expression of the appreciation of the General Assembly for his valuable service to the community of McLean and best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.