2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107714D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 243

Offered March 9, 2026

Commending Riverview Baptist Church.

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Patrons—Bagby; Delegates: Carr and McQuinn

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WHEREAS, for 140 years, Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond has provided its congregation with inspirational spiritual guidance, joyous occasions for worship and fellowship, and meaningful opportunities for community outreach; and

WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church was founded by a small group that met in the home of Hezekiah Johnson on Lombardy Street beginning in 1885; and

WHEREAS, a year later, the group purchased a parcel of property at 1500 Jacquelin Street that had a view of the James River and named their church Riverview Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, as the congregation grew, Riverview Baptist Church relocated to a second church site in 1923; then, in 1965, it moved to its third and present location on Idlewood Avenue; and

WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church has flourished over the years under the leadership of a distinguished line of pastors, from its first pastor, the Reverend G. Johnson, to its 10th and current pastor, the Reverend Dr. Frank Branch III; and

WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church helps its members grow in their faith through a variety of ministries, groups, and programs and addresses the needs of the community through a number of charitable outreach endeavors; and

WHEREAS, as a spiritual haven and beacon of light in the Richmond community for generations, Riverview Baptist Church has had a positive and transformative impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Riverview Baptist Church on the occasion of its 140th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Riverview Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the church's contributions to Richmond and the Commonwealth.