HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1003 Offered February 19, 2007 Commending Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr. ---------- Patron-- Jones, D.C. ----------

WHEREAS, the Reverend Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr., pastor of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, will retire after 52 years of outstanding service to the citizens of the City of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Benjamin Robertson earned his master of divinity degree from Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg and is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, including the 1997 Doctor of Humane Letters from Virginia Union University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robertson is the founder of Richmond Virginia Seminary, which assists students in obtaining undergraduate or graduate degrees in religion or business studies; and

WHEREAS, active in the church community on a state and national level, Dr. Robertson is one of the 23 founders of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., and has served as treasurer of the Virginia State Baptist Convention and as president and member of the board of trustees of the Virginia Seminary and College; and

WHEREAS, among his many awards and accolades, Dr. Robertson has been honored for his numerous contributions to religion and education, including the Outstanding Service Award from the Richmond branch of the NAACP, the Humanitarian Award from Richmond Community Hospital, and honorary citizenship and a key to the city from the City of Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, an inspirational leader to numerous ministers, lay people, the community, and his beloved congregation of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, Dr. Robertson has dedicated his life and career to helping others in their spiritual life and preparing young people for leadership positions in their churches, their communities, and their nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the Reverend Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr. for his outstanding service to the Richmond community for 52 years and his devotion to Cedar Street Baptist Church of God; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his dedication to his ministry and best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement.