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Bill

SJ 403

Commending Harvest Assembly Baptist Church.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Krizek and 1 co-sponsor

The Virginia General Assembly commends Harvest Assembly Baptist Church for 35+ years of service and community impact, and directs the clerk to present the resolution to the church.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ403ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 403

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 403 (SJ403ER) – Commending Harvest Assembly Baptist Church

Purpose and status

  • Purpose: A ceremonial resolution recognizing and commending Harvest Assembly Baptist Church in Alexandria for its more than 35 years of service to the community, leadership, and charitable work.
  • Status: Enrolled version (SJ403ER) after passage by both chambers. Agreed to by the Senate on February 19, 2025 and by the House of Delegates on February 20, 2025. Presented to Harvest Assembly Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration.

What the bill does

  • The resolution formally commends Harvest Assembly Baptist Church for its dedication, legacy of service, and positive impact on the Commonwealth.
  • It authorizes the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the church, recognizing its contributions and offering best wishes for future endeavors.

Background of Harvest Assembly Baptist Church (as described in the resolution)

  • Established: April 12, 1987.
  • Founding leadership: Pastor Johnnie L. Abram and assistant pastor Velvet L. Abram, who led the congregation from a small group to several hundred members.
  • Sanctuaries and facilities: Early services conducted in temporary locations; first sanctuary completed and used on December 7, 1991; relocated to a larger building on Fordson Road, Alexandria, in 2003, with additional buildings acquired over time to support operations.
  • Ministries: Education ministry and music ministry, among others, aimed at spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.
  • Community service: Runs charitable initiatives, including the annual Back to School Festival providing school supplies, haircuts, and other services to prepare students for the school year.
  • Community recognition: Leaders have been honored by the Fairfax County branch of the NAACP for their impact and support.

Key provisions and language

  • Recognizes the church’s long-standing service, leadership, and community impact.
  • Expresses admiration and best wishes for future endeavors.
  • Directs administrative action (clerk’s preparation and presentation of the copy to the church).

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Harvest Assembly Baptist Church and its members.
  • Broader impact: Acknowledges contributions to the Alexandria community, including education and outreach programs, and reinforces the value of faith-based community organizations in public life.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025.
  • Engrossed by Senate: February 19, 2025; Agreed to by Senate (voice vote) February 19, 2025.
  • House action: Received February 19, 2025; Agreed to by the House of Delegates by voice vote on February 20, 2025.
  • Enrolled: Final form SJ403ER, reflecting passage by both chambers.

This bill is ceremonial in nature, with no regulatory or fiscal impact, and serves as an official commendation from the Virginia General Assembly to a local religious congregation for its service to the community.

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

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