House Resolution 1671
By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162nd and Stephens of the 164th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life of Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and dedicating an intersection in his
memory; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., demonstrated his commitment to teaching the
Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical,
psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell was born in Edgefield, South Carolina and earned a
bachelor's degree from Benedict College and a master's degree from Interdenominational
Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion; and
WHEREAS, he was called by the Lord in 1974 to lead the congregation of Connor's Temple
Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, where he was responsible for bringing the
congregation to the forefront of the Savannah community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell's good works and service to others were recognized through
numerous honors, including Omega Man of the Year, the Ivan Allen, Jr., Award for
Excellence in Human Relations, WSOK Image Award, and Fannie Lou Hamer Award; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, Reverend Mitchell organized the Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance
Day Association in Savannah, which was responsible for the city's first Kingfest, including
the first MLK parade, and he helped lead the movement to have a major street in Savannah
named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God's message
of peace and love be recognized be recognized appropriately by dedicating an intersection
in his memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the intersection of State Route 307 and State Route 25
(US-17) in Chatham County is dedicated as the Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell Jr. Memorial
Intersection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and
directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell
Jr. Memorial Intersection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and to the Department of Transportation.