HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 66 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 3, 2008 Commending Hopeful Baptist Church on the occasion of its 200th anniversary.  ---------- Patron-- Hargrove ----------

WHEREAS, in 2007, Hopeful Baptist Church, a historic Southern Baptist Church located on Hopeful Church Road in Montpelier, celebrated its 200th anniversary of serving its faithful congregation and the community; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1807, Hopeful Baptist Church was instrumental in the struggle for religious liberty in Virginia and in the nation, and the church's founders helped organize the General Association of Virginia and worked with John Leland and James Madison to secure freedom of religion for all citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the congregation of Hopeful Baptist Church endured hard times, war, economic depression, and social and political change over the years yet experienced tremendous growth in its membership and its church campus; and shared great joy, celebration, and sometimes sorrow with its fellow members; and

WHEREAS, in today's world of new problems and unending challenges, Hopeful Baptist Church's goal is to move toward becoming a single purpose Church and through its many inspirational programs and missions, continue "to see the God of Hope overflow out of our lives and into the lives of others"; and

WHEREAS, Hopeful Baptist Church has embarked upon many new and exciting missions, particularly the youth program that teaches and encourages all young people to be involved in their community, to help their fellow citizens in need, and to participate in every ministry of the church; and

WHEREAS, Hopeful Baptist Church has been served throughout its 200-year history by immensely dedicated and able pastors and lay people, who have provided visionary leadership, devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and

WHEREAS, on October 7, 2007, the congregation of Hopeful Baptist Church celebrated the anniversary of its outstanding Christian ministry to the community of Montpelier and Hanover County with a reenactment of an old-time worship service, a group photo, lunch on the church grounds, other gala festivities, and an afternoon service of celebration; and

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, Hopeful 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 and congratulate Hopeful Baptist Church on the occasion of its 200th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Bruce R. Cole, the pastor of Hopeful Baptist Church, as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for future success in the church's ministry.