HR699: HR699 Decatur Presbyterian Church; Decatur, Georgia; 200th anniversary; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives marking the 200th anniversary of Decatur Presbyterian Church, founded in 1825. It recounts the church's history, including founding the Union Sunday School in 1831, starting 17 other congregations, helping establish Agnes Scott College and bringing Columbia Theological Seminary to Decatur, and running community programs like a children's school and a ministry that provides food, transit cards, and referrals to people in need. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply has the House formally recognize the church's history and service, wish it continued success, and direct the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to the church.

• Formally recognizes the 200-year history of Decatur Presbyterian Church, founded in 1825 in DeKalb County.
• Commends the church for its community service, including founding schools, mission programs, and assistance ministries.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the church.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement of recognition.

The resolution directly names Decatur Presbyterian Church and its congregation. It has no regulatory effect on other Georgians, businesses, or government agencies beyond the House Clerk's administrative task of delivering a copy of the resolution.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it does not change any Georgia statute or create funding. Its practical effect is symbolic, giving official recognition from the state legislature to a longstanding Decatur institution's anniversary and community contributions.

• The whereas clauses recount the church's founding in 1825, its role in starting 17 other congregations, and its ties to Agnes Scott College and Columbia Theological Seminary.
• The resolved clause has House members recognize the church's history and commend its 200 years of service and extend well wishes.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Decatur Presbyterian Church.

1. 2025-03-21House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-21House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-21House Hopper (House)

• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)Primary sponsor
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-085)

• Decatur Presbyterian Church
• commemorative resolution
• DeKalb County history
• church anniversary