HR 1757: Harden, Reverend Howard D.; honoring the life and memory; condolences
Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action March 18, 2026 · Passed
The text as LegiScan holds it, read from the PDF the legislature publishes with its margin line numbers, running heads, and page footers removed. Line breaks are joined into paragraphs here; no word is changed.
House Resolution 1757
By: Representatives Howard of the 129th, Myles of the 126th, Gilliard of the 162nd, and Reese of the 140th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Howard D. Harden; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Reverend Howard D. Harden of Spring Grove Baptist Church in Hephzibah, Georgia, who peacefully transitioned on March 12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Howard D. Harden was a devout servant of God, a faithful pastor, and an indispensable pillar in the community; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation from the Burke County School System, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow Americans; and
WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Shirley, and was blessed with seven remarkable children, 18 wonderful grand– and great-grandchildren, and one exceptional great-great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, after accepting the call to gospel ministry and being ordained in March 1989, Reverend Howard D. Harden served for decades as pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Spring Grove Baptist Church, guiding the spiritual, emotional, and mental growth of countless congregants; and
WHEREAS, his life reflected unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and a deep commitment to shepherding and uplifting those he was called to serve—he touched countless lives with his wisdom, encouragement, and guidance, leaving a lasting imprint on each congregation he led; and
WHEREAS, beyond the pulpit, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather whose steady presence and kindness brought comfort and inspiration to all of those closest to him; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man who demonstrated his commitment to witnessing Christ through word and deed, Reverend Howard D. Harden will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Reverend Howard D. Harden and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Reverend Howard D. Harden.