2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109538D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 458

Offered March 12, 2026

Commending Mount Zion Baptist Church of Norfolk.

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Patron—Hayes

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WHEREAS, for 130 years, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Norfolk has strengthened community life by providing opportunities for joyful worship, spiritual guidance, and generous outreach programs; and

WHEREAS, located in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk, Mount Zion Baptist Church was established in 1896 with the Reverend Abner Williams as its first pastor; and

WHEREAS, since that time, Mount Zion Baptist Church has enjoyed the leadership of the Reverend E.M. Lassiter, the Reverend A.B. Askew, the Reverend P.L. Harvey, the Reverend R.T. Adams, the Reverend Dr. J.M. Alexander, and the Reverend Dr. Charles Hart, who became pastor in 1975 and served the church for 42 years; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Carl N. Sherrill was installed as the eighth pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church on July 2, 2017; and

WHEREAS, the diverse members of the Mount Zion Baptist Church congregation come from all walks of life and are active leaders in the community, participating in mission work and providing leadership to numerous civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, Mount Zion Baptist Church maintains 31 ministries to meet the needs of the congregation, support worthy causes, and serve those in need throughout Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, over the course of its history, Mount Zion Baptist Church has served as a beacon of hope and fellowship, helping generations of congregants grow in faith while greatly enhancing the quality of life in the wider community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Mount Zion Baptist Church of Norfolk hereby be commended on the occasion of its 130th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mount Zion Baptist Church of Norfolk as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the church's long legacy of service to the Norfolk community.