HR502: Commending Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr.


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 502
Offered March 27, 2006
Commending Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr.
Patron-- Jones, D.C.

WHEREAS, Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr., was called to serve as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church of Richmond in 1980 and has served his church for more than a quarter of a century; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from North Park College and Seminary in Illinois; he pursued his calling further at the School of Theology of Virginia Union University, where he earned a master of divinity degree; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from McKinley Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and an honorary doctor of humanities degree from Baltimore Seminary and College; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at Trinity Baptist Church and under his inspired leadership, the church has grown to a congregation of over 5,000, and its yearly budget now exceeds $1 million; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James came to Trinity Baptist Church with the vision "Pastor and People, One in the Spirit, Living a More Excellent Way," and he has followed his vision with the establishment of numerous ministries serving the Church and the broader community, including the Trinity Soup Kitchen, Thrift Shop, Community Assistance Program, Radio and TV Outreach Ministry, Prison Ministry, and an expanded Youth Ministry; and

WHEREAS, the impact of Dr. James' service extends beyond his church and community, and he is  committed to many organizations, among them, Virginia Union University School of Theology, Unified Shiloh Baptist Association, Junior Youth and College Division of the NAACP, the Baptist Ministers Conference, and the Bethlehem Center for Senior Citizens; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James serves as the president of the Richmond Affiliate of the Congress of National Black Churches; has taught at numerous colleges, universities, and conventions throughout the country; and he was elected president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, leading hundreds of pastors and churches in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James serves as president of the Southside & Central Virginia Banking Consortium; chairman of the Board of Trustees of Richmond Virginia Seminary; member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Lynchburg; third vice president and lecturer for the National Congress of Christian Education, NBC USA, Inc.; member of the African American United for Action; and was the first African-American counselor at the Virginia State Penitentiary; and

WHEREAS, a gifted orator, Dr. James is in demand as a revivalist and special occasion speaker; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James is married to the former Miss Mary Peebles of Lawrenceville, and the couple is blessed with three children, Torrey, Alexander III, Alexandra, and one grandson, Torrey, Jr.; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr., hereby be commended on his remarkable career of service and outstanding leadership that has benefited his church, his community and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr., as an expression of the high regard and appreciation of the members for his many accomplishments.