HR1723: HR1723 Cochran, Pastor Raymond; retirement; commend

26 LC 129 1402 House Resolution 1723 By: Representatives Hugley of the 141st, Williams of the 168th, Buckner of the 137th, Smith of the 138th, and Rice of the 139th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Pastor Raymond Cochran upon his retirement; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, Pastor Raymond Cochran has demonstrated his commitment to teaching the3 Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical,4 psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and5 WHEREAS, born in Lee County, Alabama, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at age6 seven and joined the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Salem, Alabama; and 7 WHEREAS, Pastor Cochran has spent a lifetime answering God's call to be His messenger8 to do His will; and9 WHEREAS, he was the previous Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church of Roanoke, Alabama;10 Rising Grove Baptist Church of LaGrange, Georgia; Springhill Missionary Baptist Church11 of Lineville, Alabama; Mt. Lovely Baptist Church of Camphill, Alabama; Friendship Baptist12 Church of Fairfax, Alabama; Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of Salem, Alabama;13 Poplar Springs Baptist Church of Lafayette, Alabama; and is pre sently the Pastor of the14 H. R. 1723 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1402 Franchise Missionary Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama, where he has served for 5415 years; and16 WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously served his commu nity on many civic17 committees and boards as well as served in leadership positions at numerous influential18 organizations and associations; and 19 WHEREAS, his dedicated work has earned him many prestigious awards and recognitions,20 including but not limited to, being named the 2018 Citizen of the Year as well as one of 8521 Most Influential Black Americans in Columbus and Phenix City ar ea and having 10th22 Avenue officially dedicated in his honor; and23 WHEREAS, the unmatched spiritual assistance offered by Pastor C ochran is a source of24 strength and direction for persons in all walks of life; and25 WHEREAS, Pastor Cochran has served with honor and distinction a nd his vision and26 unyielding commitment will be sorely missed upon the occasion of his retirement.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body recognize and commend Pastor Raymond C ochran upon the29 occasion of his retirement and extend best wishes for his continued health and happiness.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized31 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Pastor32 Raymond Cochran.33 H. R. 1723 - 2 -