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.