2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200048D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2056

Offered April 23, 2026

Prefiled April 23, 2026

Commending Stephen Smith-Cobbs.

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Patron—Shin

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WHEREAS, Stephen Smith-Cobbs, an esteemed spiritual leader who has served as senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon for nearly three decades, retires in November 2026; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Smith-Cobbs graduated from Austin College in 1981 and that same year entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he served as a student chaplain both at Rutgers University and what is today New Jersey State Prison; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Smith-Cobbs completed internships at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, and Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, in preparation for his career as a minister; and

WHEREAS, after receiving a master of divinity degree in 1985 and serving as the interim Presbyterian chaplain at the University of Houston, Stephen Smith-Cobbs was ordained in the Presbyterian Church in July 1986; and

WHEREAS, from 1986 to 1997, Stephen Smith-Cobbs served as an associate pastor at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas, and as pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Canyon, Texas; and

WHEREAS, in May 1997, Stephen Smith-Cobbs became the senior pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon, where for nearly 30 years he has provided his congregation with uplifting spiritual guidance, joyful occasions for worship and fellowship, and meaningful opportunities for community outreach; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Smith-Cobbs has made an indelible imprint on the Herndon community through his involvement with a number of local organizations and endeavors, including the Herndon Festival, Herndon Elementary School, Project Hope and Harmony, Lunch for the Soul, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, and Cornerstones; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Smith-Cobbs has supported fellow Presbyterian congregations locally as chair of the Committee on Ministry of the National Capital Presbytery and as a member of the organization's crisis response team, and he has played a pivotal role in the development of NEXT Church, a movement within the Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, on February 16, 2026, Stephen Smith-Cobbs offered the invocation for the Virginia House of Delegates, imparting wisdom and sage advice to inspire and guide the body's members in their deliberations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Stephen Smith-Cobbs hereby be commended for his legacy of faith, service, and devotion on the occasion of his retirement as senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Stephen Smith-Cobbs as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to Herndon and the Commonwealth and best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling retirement.