HR 699: Decatur Presbyterian Church; Decatur, Georgia; 200th anniversary; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Decatur Presbyterian Church, which held its first worship service in 1825. The resolution recounts the church's history, including founding an early Sunday School, starting what became Agnes Scott College, helping bring Columbia Theological Seminary to Decatur, running a children's community program, supporting global mission work, and creating a ministry to assist people in need locally. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states that the House recognizes the church's 200 years of service and wishes it continued success. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the church, likely as a keepsake tied to its anniversary celebration planned for October 26, 2025.

• Formally recognizes the 200th anniversary of Decatur Presbyterian Church on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Commends the church for its history of community and religious service since its founding in 1825.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for the church.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or allocate any state funding.

The resolution directly names and honors Decatur Presbyterian Church and its congregation in Decatur, Georgia. It has no regulatory or financial effect on other individuals, businesses, or government agencies.

The resolution carries symbolic rather than legal weight. It gives the church formal state recognition and a keepsake document marking its bicentennial, but it does not change any rights, duties, or funding for the church, its members, or the broader public.

• The whereas clauses recount the church's founding in 1825 and its role in establishing 17 area congregations, including Smyrna in 1827 and North Decatur in 1955.
• The whereas clauses note the church's founding of Decatur Female Seminary in 1889, later Agnes Scott College, and its role in bringing Columbia Theological Seminary to Decatur in 1927.
• The resolving clause has the House of Representatives recognize the church's history and commend its 200 years of service.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Decatur Presbyterian Church.

1. 2025-03-21House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-21House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-21House Hopper (House)

• Mary Margaret Oliver (D, HD-84)Primary sponsor
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-89)
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-85)

• ceremonial resolution
• Decatur Georgia
• church anniversary
• DeKalb County history