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HR 2205

Celebrating the life of the Reverend Ivan T. Harris.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Delores McQuinn and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia honors Reverend Ivan T. Harris for lifelong faith-based leadership, community service, mentorship, and outreach, through a ceremonial House Resolution.

Bill text as passed House (HR2205ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 2205

Summary of HR 2205 (2026 Session, Virginia)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is a ceremonial House Resolution recognizing and honoring the life and service of the Reverend Ivan T. Harris.
  • It conveys the House of Delegates’ respect for Harris’s contributions as a pastor, musician, educator, mentor, and community leader.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares, in formal terms, the passing of Reverend Ivan T. Harris on June 18, 2026.
  • Provides a narrative recounting Harris’s life achievements, including:
    • Early life and education in Newport News; high school band and orchestra participation.
    • Higher education: Hampton University and subsequent religious and leadership training (Evans-Smith Institute of Church Leadership at Virginia Union University, United Christian College, Trinity Seminary, Regent University).
    • Pastoral leadership:
    • Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church (3 years) and New Hope Baptist Church (7 years).
    • Longest-serving pastor of First Baptist Church Denbigh for 31 years, growing the congregation to over 2,000 members.
    • Community impact at First Baptist Denbigh:
    • Establishment of an Outreach Center offering housing for women pursuing higher education, food distribution, and clothing.
    • Co-directorship of the Boys to Men Mentorship Program.
    • Planting Love Christian Church in Newport News (2019).
    • Leadership roles in Hampton Roads religious and civic spheres; noted for harmonica performances and a 1995 album, Jesus Saves.
    • Global outreach: adoption of a village in Benin, overseeing a well, school, medical clinic, and church.
    • Personal details: survived by wife Sylvia (nearly 52 years), children Iva, Iris, Ingrid, and Ivan II, and other family and friends.
  • Authorizes the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Harris’s family.

Who is Affected

  • The primary impact is ceremonial recognition by the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • Family, colleagues, congregations (First Baptist Church Denbigh and Love Christian Church), and the broader Hampton Roads community are highlighted as beneficiaries of the public acknowledgment.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and presented June 29, 2026; engrossed the same day; agreed to by the House on June 29, 2026.
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor was Pat Price, with co-sponsors Delores McQuinn, Cia Price, Virgil Thornton, and Shelly Simonds.

Practical Implications

  • No fiscal impact or policy changes are enacted.
  • The resolution serves as an official commemorative acknowledgment honoring Harris’s life and impact.
  • May serve to inspire reflection on community leadership, faith-based service, and mentorship programs within the Commonwealth.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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