SR 259: Simmons, Reverend Vandy Carl; recognize

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.