House Resolution 29EX
By: Representative Scott of the 76th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Pastor Arthur L. Powell for his outstanding ministry,
leadership, and service to the citizens of Clayton County and the State of Georgia; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, Pastor Arthur L. Powell is a faithful servant of God, an esteemed community
leader, and a dedicated pastor whose life has been marked by unwavering commitment to
ministry, faith, and public service; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell was born in Valdosta, Georgia, later becoming a native of
Decatur, Georgia, and accepted Christ as his Savior in 1972 before answering the call to the
Gospel Ministry in 1974; and
WHEREAS, he preached his first sermon from Psalms 25:2 entitled "Lord Let Me Not Be
Ashamed," and he was ordained by Thankful Baptist Church in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell has faithfully served as Pastor of Travelers Rest Missionary
Baptist Church in Morrow, Georgia, since 1986, leading the church through tremendous
spiritual growth and expansion from a modest congregation to a thriving ministry of more
than 1,500 members and over 40 ministries; and
H. R. 29EX
WHEREAS, under his visionary leadership, Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church
purchased land on Rex Road in 1992 and, through faith, prayer, and dedication, constructed
a new sanctuary and educational wing, marching into the new edifice in July 1999; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell continued to expand the ministry through the opening of the
Genesis Christian Bookstore in 2004 and the establishment of the Family Life Center in
2009, creating a lasting impact on the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of the
community; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell attended Morehouse College and graduated from Dekalb College
and Carver Bible College, equipping himself with the knowledge and wisdom necessary to
lead God's people with excellence; and
WHEREAS, he has faithfully served beyond the walls of the church as past President of the
Association of Christian Ministers of Clayton County, representing more than 10,000
members, as past Moderator of the Hopewell Baptist Association, as a lifetime member of
the Clayton County NAACP, and as a member of the National Baptist Convention, USA,
Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell has received numerous honors and awards recognizing his
faithful service and dedication to ministry, including the Heritage Legacy Award in 2012,
the 2003 Pastors Gospel Choice Award, an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from
American Bible University in 2015, and the Pillar Award in Ministry from The Good
Shepherd Center of Morrow, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Powell's life and ministry have been strengthened by the love and
support of his devoted wife, First Lady Dianne Powell, and their daughter, Adrian; and
H. R. 29EX
WHEREAS, through decades of faithful leadership, spiritual guidance, and community
service, Pastor Arthur L. Powell has touched countless lives and remains a beacon of hope,
faith, and inspiration throughout Clayton County and the State of Georgia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend Pastor Arthur L. Powell for his
extraordinary ministry, leadership, and dedication to the people of Georgia and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued health, happiness, and success in all future endeavors.
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 Pastor
Arthur L. Powell.
H. R. 29EX