HR1757: HR1757 Harden, Reverend Howard D.; honoring the life and memory; condolences

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes the life of Reverend Howard D. Harden, a longtime pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Spring Grove Baptist Church in Hephzibah, Georgia, who died on March 12, 2026. The resolution recounts his biography: his education in the Burke County School System, his military service in the United States Army, his marriage to his wife Shirley, his large family, and his decades of ministry after his 1989 ordination. The House formally expresses its regret at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

• Formally expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' regret over the death of Reverend Howard D. Harden.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Harden's family.
• Creates no change to Georgia law, funding, or regulations; it is a symbolic honor only.

The resolution directly names the family of Reverend Howard D. Harden, including his wife Shirley and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the congregations of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Spring Grove Baptist Church.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect but provides an official, public tribute recorded in the Georgia House journal, giving Harden's family and congregations a formal statement of recognition from the state legislature.

• The resolution's whereas clauses recount Harden's biography, including his Army service, 1989 ordination, and decades as pastor of two Baptist churches.
• The resolved clause has the House join in honoring his life and expressing regret at his passing.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2026-03-18House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-18House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-18House Hopper (House)

• Karlton Howard (D, HD-129)Primary sponsor
• L.C. Myles (D, HD-126)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)

• memorial resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives
• Hephzibah Georgia
• Baptist clergy