HR 935: Shipp, Pastor Christopher M.; Bald Rock Baptist Church; 28th pastoral anniversary; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Bald Rock Baptist Church, which was established around 1861 as Rockdale County's first African American congregation. The resolution recounts the church's history, including its origin on a plantation where enslaved people worshipped and the construction of its current building in 1994. The resolution congratulates Pastor Christopher M. Shipp, who has led the church since February 1997, on his 28th anniversary as pastor. It directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to Pastor Shipp and the church. The resolution does not change any Georgia law; it is a formal statement of recognition.

• Formally recognizes Bald Rock Baptist Church for its history as Rockdale County's first African American congregation.
• Congratulates Pastor Christopher M. Shipp on his 28th anniversary as pastor of the church.
• Extends the House's best wishes for continued fellowship and leadership at the church.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for the pastor and the church.

This resolution directly names Pastor Christopher M. Shipp and Bald Rock Baptist Church in Rockdale County. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, agencies, or institutions since it is a ceremonial statement rather than a law.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it gives official state recognition to a historic Rockdale County congregation and its pastor's decades of service, documented in the House's permanent record.

• The resolution recites the church's history, including its founding around 1861 and its origin as a worship site for enslaved people on a plantation.
• It notes the original church structure now stands as a historic site at the Georgia International Horse Park on Costley Mill Road.
• It states the current church building was built in 1994 under the guidance of the late Reverend Jack Maultsby and the Board of Deacons.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes the church and congratulates Pastor Shipp on his 28th pastoral anniversary.
• A further clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to Pastor Shipp and the church.

1. 2025-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-92)Primary sponsor

• ceremonial resolution
• Rockdale County
• church history
• pastoral recognition