Senate Resolution 259
By: Senator Mangham of the 55th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons, recipient of the Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Community Service Award; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, a native of Tifton, Georgia, Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons has dedicated his
life to ministry, education, and service to others; and
WHEREAS, since October 2016, he has faithfully served as the senior pastor of Antioch
A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, continuing the legacy of spiritual guidance and
community outreach established by his predecessor, Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, Antioch A.M.E. Church has completed renovations to the
sanctuary, fellowship hall, restrooms, daycare, and food pantry as well as improved
accessibility with a newly paved and marked parking lot and new security systems; and
WHEREAS, embracing the mission of being "In the Community, For the Community," he
has fostered strong partnerships with Freedom Middle School and Friends of Hairston Park
as well as secured over $73,000 in funding to provide financial assistance and vital resources
to the community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Simmons has expanded the church's outreach efforts by hosting town
hall meetings, a mental health forum, summer camps for the learning-disabled, career fairs,
and back-to-school events that offer free haircuts and hair braiding for students; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the church in securing Paycheck
Protection Program (PPP) funds to sustain full-time staff, serving as a Virtual Learning
Center for children of working parents, and operating as a COVID-19 testing site; and
WHEREAS, his steadfast leadership and service have earned him numerous accolades,
including Clergy of the Year awards from Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and the Lay
Organization, the Best Pastor Award from Antioch Seniors in Action, the People's Choice
Award from the Sixth Episcopal District, and many more; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to honor the outstanding accomplishments
and dynamic Christian ministry of this devout and pious man during this special time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons, recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Community Service Award, and extend sincere best wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Reverend Vandy
Carl Simmons.