HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 497 Offered March 6, 2006 Commending First United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. ---------- Patrons-- Ingram and McEachin; Senators: Marsh and Quayle ----------

WHEREAS, First United Methodist Church, located in Hopewell, celebrates its 90th anniversary during 2006; and

WHEREAS, in 1937 Trinity Methodist Church of City Point merged with First United Methodist Church at its present location at the corner of Broadway and Sixth Avenue; the church has been an integral part of the City of Hopewell for the past 90 years; and

WHEREAS, First United Methodist Church will observe a glorious day of celebration and festivities on October 22, 2006; and

WHEREAS, First United Methodist Church’s contributions to the City of Hopewell have enriched the day-to-day lives of its citizens through the congregation's many progressive civic and community activities; and

WHEREAS, First United Methodist Church is one of the stabilizing factors making the surrounding community a popular and dynamic residential area; and

WHEREAS, the many caring ministries of First United Methodist Church have reached out, touched, and changed the lives of many residents of the City of Hopewell; and

WHEREAS, First United Methodist Church has been invaluable in making the City of Hopewell a better place in which to live; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend First United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 90th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the pastor and congregation of First United Methodist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for their outstanding service and commitment to their community and the citizens of the City of Hopewell.