HR559: Commending First Baptist Church of Sterling.

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church of Sterling proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary of worship and service in 2012; and

WHEREAS, on January 28, 1962, the Reverend John W. Thornton officially organized First Baptist Church of Sterling with 42 members; the first services were held in the basement of his and his wife?s home; and

WHEREAS, in 1964 First Baptist Church of Sterling built its first place of worship and continued to gain membership over the years under the inspired leadership of Reverend Thornton and then the Reverend James E. Jefferies; and

WHEREAS, on August 21, 1995, the Reverend Leslie Patterson, Jr., became the third pastor of First Baptist Church of Sterling with his wife, Dr. Francene V. Patterson, serving as co-pastor; Reverend Patterson was appointed to the office of Bishop in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Leslie Patterson and Dr. Francene Patterson have focused the First Baptist Church of Sterling?s ministry on preaching and practicing the gospel to the spiritually and economically poor; the brokenhearted; those in spiritual, emotional, physical and financial captivity; the spiritually blind; and those who have been emotionally wounded and bruised by life?s battles; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church of Sterling offers a wide array of ministries to reach those in need, including a singles ministry, new moms ministry, youth ministry, music ministry, and housing ministry to promote home ownership; and

WHEREAS, First Baptist Church of Sterling also offers a Food 4 Families ministry that provides food to 25 families each month to help ease the stress caused by having to choose between paying bills and buying groceries; and

WHEREAS, under the dynamic partnership of Bishop Leslie Patterson and Dr. Francene Patterson, First Baptist Church of Sterling has grown to over 1,300 members who worship in the building completed in 2003; and

WHEREAS, as First Baptist Church of Sterling celebrates its 50th anniversary, it remembers its past and looks forward to continuing to serve in the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That First Baptist Church of Sterling hereby be commended on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bishop Leslie Patterson and Dr. Francene Patterson, pastors of First Baptist Church of Sterling, as an expression of the House of Delegates? congratulations and appreciation for the church?s commitment to serving its members and the community.