Georgia CommonsHR 318: Smith, Reverend Dr. William J., Jr.; commend
Last action February 19, 2025 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution formally recognizes and commends Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. for his ministry work, including his new role as pastor of Atlanta's Wheat Street Baptist Church.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. It does not change any law. Instead, it recounts his career and accomplishments, including becoming the eighth pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta in September 2024, his prior work in Kokomo, Indiana establishing a community development corporation and renovating the historic Douglass School, and his international speaking and writing on intergenerational ministry. The resolution formally commends him for his work helping people in need and wishes him continued success. It directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Reverend Smith as a keepsake of the honor.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. for his religious and community leadership work.
- Documents his appointment as the eighth pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta on September 1, 2024.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Reverend Smith.
Who it affects
This resolution directly names and honors Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. It also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must prepare a copy for distribution, and indirectly reflects on Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta and communities he has served.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it gives official state recognition to an individual's community and religious contributions, which can be a meaningful honor for the person and their congregation.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses detail Reverend Smith's background, including his September 1, 2024 appointment as pastor of Wheat Street Baptist Church and his prior work in Kokomo, Indiana.
- The resolved clause formally commends him for his good works and wishes him continued success in ministry.
- The final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a copy available for distribution to Reverend Smith.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize and commend Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. for his innumerable good works rendered upon those in need and extend best wishes for many more years of successful fellowship and leadership.”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)
- 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)
Topics
- ceremonial resolution
- Atlanta churches
- community recognition
- Georgia House of Representatives