HR318: HR318 Smith, Reverend Dr. William J., Jr.; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr., who became the eighth pastor of the historic Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta on September 1, 2024. The resolution recounts his prior work as pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Kokomo, Indiana, where he helped create a community development corporation and led the renovation of the historic Douglass School into a museum and cultural center. It also notes his national and international speaking engagements, his book on intergenerational ministry, and his service on various denominational and community boards. The House formally commends him for his work and directs the Clerk of the House to provide him a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. for his religious and community work.
• States the House's best wishes for his continued leadership at Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to him.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than legislation.

The resolution directly names and honors Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. It also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who is directed to prepare a copy for him, and references Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta and Second Missionary Baptist Church in Kokomo, Indiana.

The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical effect is limited to the House's official record and a ceremonial copy given to Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. recognizing his ministry and community work.

• The whereas clauses describe his background, including becoming the eighth pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta on September 1, 2024.
• The whereas clauses detail his prior work in Kokomo, Indiana, including founding a Community Development Corporation and renovating the historic Douglass School.
• The resolving clause states the House recognizes and commends him and wishes him continued success.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to him.

1. 2025-02-19House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-19House Hopper (House)

• Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)Primary sponsor
• Tanya Miller (D, HD-062)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)
• Bryce Berry (D, HD-056)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)

• commendation resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives
• religious leadership
• Atlanta