HR811: HR811 Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge; Chatham County; dedicate

25 LC 39 4787 House Resolution 811 By: Representative Gilliard of the 162nd A RESOLUTION Recognizing the life of Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and dedicating a bridge in his1 memory; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., demonstrated his commitment to teaching3 the Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addres sing the physical,4 psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and5 WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell was born in Edgefield, South Carolin a, and earned a6 bachelor's degree from Benedict College and a master of divinit y degree from the7 Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion; and8 WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell served as pastor of Rockhill Baptist Church in Saluda, South9 Carolina, before being called by the Lord in 1974 to lead the c ongregation of Connor's10 Temple Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia; and11 WHEREAS, his vision and direction helped Connor's Temple Baptist Church grow in size12 and influence, uplifting the community like the light of Bethlehem and serving as a spiritual13 leader and place for fellowship; and14 H. R. 811 - 1 - 25 LC 39 4787 WHEREAS, during his over five decades of leadership at Connor's Temple Baptist Church,15 Reverend Mitchell spearheaded the purchase and renovation of the historic McKelvy-Powell16 Building to serve as a community hub and as a positive symbol o f change and community17 activism; and18 WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell's work was honored with numerous awards and accolades,19 including Omega Man of the Year, the Ivan Allen, Jr. Award for Excellence in Human20 Relations, a WSOK Image Award, and a Fannie Lou Hamer Award; and21 WHEREAS, is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished Georgian22 be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his memory.23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL24 ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the bridge on State Route 405 over Sta te Route 204 in25 Chatham County is dedicated as the Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge.26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and27 directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell,28 Jr. Memorial Bridge.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized30 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the31 family of Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and to the Department of Transportation.32 H. R. 811 - 2 -