Georgia CommonsSR 1060: Salem Bible Church; recognize and commend
Last action March 31, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes Salem Bible Church in Atlanta on its 135th anniversary, honoring its history and long-serving pastors.
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 Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate honoring Salem Bible Church, which traces its origins to a small gathering on Hawkins Street in Atlanta. It recounts the church's history under a series of pastors, including its rebuilding after a fire and its growth under Pastor Jasper Williams Jr., who has led the church since November 1963 and expanded it with a new sanctuary, community programs, housing initiatives, and additional campuses. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally states that the Senate recognizes the church's 135 years of service and wishes it continued success, and it directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the church.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Salem Bible Church in Atlanta for 135 years of service.
- Recounts the church's founding and its history under several pastors, including its rebuilding after a fire.
- Credits current pastor Jasper Williams Jr. with expanding membership, building a new sanctuary, and starting community and housing programs.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the church.
Who it affects
This resolution directly affects Salem Bible Church in Atlanta, its congregation, and its pastor, Jasper Williams Jr. It has no legal or regulatory effect on any other individuals, businesses, or government agencies.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal weight and changes no Georgia law or policy. Its significance is symbolic: it gives Salem Bible Church and its congregation formal, public recognition from the state Senate for over a century of community and religious service in Atlanta.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses describe the church's founding on Hawkins Street in Atlanta and its early pastors, Rev. G. B. Fanning and Rev. R. Dorsey.
- It notes growth under Rev. C. L. Wilder and Rev. C. S. Jackson, including rebuilding after a fire.
- It credits Pastor Jasper Williams Jr., serving since November 1963, with major expansion including a new sanctuary on Baker Road.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition and commendation of the church's 135 years of service.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the church.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize the rich history of Salem Bible Church, commend its 135 years of dedicated service to the Lord and community, and extend their warmest best wishes for its continued growth and success”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
- Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
- Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
- Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
- Donzella James (D, SD-028)
Topics
- church anniversary
- legislative resolution
- Atlanta history
- community recognition