Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 318: Smith, Reverend Dr. William J., Jr.; commend

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 19, 2025 · Passed

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House Resolution 318

By: Representatives Olaleye of the 59th, Miller of the 62nd, Willis of the 55th, Reese of the 140th, Berry of the 56th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has 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, on September 1, 2024, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. began his leadership as the eighth pastor of the historic Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, prior to his new role, he served as pastor at Second Missionary Baptist Church, Kokomo, Indiana, where he led the establishment of a Community Development Corporation, Embracing Hope of Howard County, and spearheaded the renovation of the historic Douglass School to serve as a community museum and cultural center; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has been widely recognized for his dedication to intergenerational ministry, having been invited to speak nationally and internationally in England, Australia, and Japan, and he is the distinguished author of Under One Roof: Building an Intergenerational Church; and

WHEREAS, he has further served on numerous denominational, ecumenical, and community boards, including the Indiana Missionary Baptist State Convention, the Mayor's Council for Substance Abuse, the Human Rights Commission, and the Christian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; and

WHEREAS, his divine and faithful leadership has been recognized by numerous institutions including Wesley Theological Seminary, Calvin College, Morehouse College's Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Pastoral Leadership, and the Wabash College Pastoral Leadership Program; and

WHEREAS, whether the task is preparing a sermon, visiting the sick, counseling the troubled, baptizing a new believer, or acting as a theologian, educator, administrator, or humanitarian, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has shown the energy, devotion, and commitment truly reflective of divine guidance; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and dynamic Christian ministry of this devout and pious man.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that 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.

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 Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr.