SR 259: Simmons, Reverend Vandy Carl; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons, a Tifton, Georgia native who has served since October 2016 as senior pastor of Antioch A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain, for his work in ministry, education, and community outreach. The resolution details his accomplishments, including church renovations, partnerships with local schools and parks, over $73,000 raised for community assistance, pandemic-era programs like a Virtual Learning Center and COVID-19 testing site, and various clergy awards. The Senate resolves to commend him and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide him a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons for his ministry and community service work.
• Documents his leadership at Antioch A.M.E. Church, including facility renovations and expanded accessibility.
• Notes his community outreach efforts, including town halls, a mental health forum, summer camps, and back-to-school events.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Reverend Simmons.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia law.

The resolution directly honors Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons and references Antioch A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain, Freedom Middle School, and Friends of Hairston Park as partners in his community work. It has no legal effect on the general public.

This resolution carries symbolic rather than legal weight. It gives official state recognition to a local faith leader's community service, which can raise public awareness of his work but does not change any rights, funding, or requirements for Georgians.

• The whereas clauses recount Reverend Simmons's background, his pastoral role since 2016, and specific community programs he has led.
• The resolving clause formally commends him as recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to him.

1. 2025-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2025-02-25Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)Patrocinador principal

• community recognition
• Stone Mountain
• faith leaders
• Georgia Senate resolutions