HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 24 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled December 13, 2007 Commending Sweet Union Baptist Church on the occasion of its 97th anniversary.  ---------- Patron-- Ware, O. ----------

WHEREAS, the faithful congregation of Sweet Union Baptist Church, located on Madison Avenue in the City of Roanoke, celebrated its 97th anniversary on Sunday, October 21, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Sweet Union Baptist Church was organized in April 1910 with a dedicated membership of 30 members and led by the Reverend Sandy Davis; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Davis served Sweet Union Baptist Church for two years and was followed by Pastor Hanes and Pastor Johnson, who each served one year, during which time the church grew in its membership and service to the residents of Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, on June 14, 1914, the Reverend William M. Gilbert came to Sweet Union Baptist Church as pastor, and for 44 years guided his congregation through a period of great change and many improvements until his retirement in 1958; and

WHEREAS, since 1959, Sweet Union Baptist Church's beloved present minister, the Reverend Dr. Edward T. Burton, has been an inspiration and exceptional spiritual leader; and

WHEREAS, during Dr. Burton's 48 years as pastor, Sweet Union Baptist Church has expanded its ministry and added an educational building, a new sanctuary, and an administrative suite, while the church's congregation has increased to over 475 members; and

WHEREAS, Sweet Union Baptist Church is a beautiful and historical church of the Roanoke Valley and is known for its numerous outreach ministries that focus on the growth and well-being of the Roanoke community and its citizens in need; and

WHEREAS, Sweet Union Baptist Church's members are committed to the church's mission statement, which is “People united to advance God’s Kingdom through love, faith, and obedience to The Word”; and

WHEREAS, Sweet Union Baptist Church has been served throughout its 97-year history by immensely dedicated and able pastors and lay staff, who have provided visionary leadership, devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, Sweet Union Baptist Church has provided its devoted congregation, its neighbors, and the community a place to worship, to help others, and to grow in faith and service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sweet Union Baptist Church on the occasion of its 97th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Burton on behalf of Sweet Union Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for its many accomplishments and best wishes for future success in its ministry.