HJ783: Commending Zion Baptist Church.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 783

Offered February 2, 2021
Commending Zion Baptist Church.
Patrons-- Price, Mullin and Simonds; Senators: Locke and Mason

WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church, which has long offered sage spiritual leadership, generous outreach, and opportunities for uplifting worship to the residents of Newport News, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2021; and

WHEREAS, in 1896, 13 recent inhabitants of Newport News gathered under a cherry tree in the current location of Zion Baptist Church with the intention of building a religious community; a year later, the church’s first building was erected and the congregation called its first pastor, the Reverend Moses Tynes; and

WHEREAS, despite some early setbacks, Zion Baptist Church would continue to grow over the years to offer a wide variety of unique ministries and outreach programs designed to support the members of the community and enhance the quality of life of all Newport News residents; and

WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church has been led by the Reverend Dr. Tremayne M. Johnson since 2009, who, with the help of a major architectural renovation and the installation of a new sound and media system in 2017, has guided the church into an exciting new era; and

WHEREAS, members of Zion Baptist Church have become leaders in their professions and the community, empowered and inspired by the lessons of grace and generosity learned at their home church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Zion Baptist Church for providing edifying spiritual services and outreach ministries that have been meeting the needs of the residents of Newport News for the past 125 years; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Zion Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the church’s legacy of contributions to the Newport News community.