Mount Calvary Baptist Church; commemorating its 150th anniversary.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Lindsey Dougherty

The bill formally commends Mount Calvary Baptist Church for 150 years of service, highlighting its history, leadership milestones, and community outreach.

Bill text as passed House (HR2070ER)

Summary of Bill HR 2070 (2026S1) — Virginia

Purpose and intent

The bill is a House of Delegates resolution commending Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

It recognizes the church’s historical founding, ongoing community role, and contributions to faith and public life in Hopewell and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Key provisions and changes

Formal commendation: The resolution states that Mount Calvary Baptist Church is commended by the Virginia House of Delegates for its 150 years of service.

Historical acknowledgment: It recounts the church’s origins (founded in 1876 by Reverend William Willis; early worship in homes), the move to land acquired after displacement during World War I, and the church’s continuity under successive pastors, including Reverend Dr. Vodricka L. Epps (the 11th pastor since 2016).

Leadership and milestones: Highlights the church’s leadership, ordination of its first female deacons in 2025 (Cheryl Fleming Chambers, Billy J. Glasper, and Diana Tucker) and its role in fostering new faith leaders and ministers.

Community and interfaith involvement: Notes active participation in local faith networks (Bethany Baptist Association of Southside Virginia and the Baptist General Convention of Virginia) and charitable outreach to organizations such as the American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, Autism Foundation, and Hopewell Public Schools.

Mission statement: Projects the church’s guiding mission: “to empower the faith community by encouraging all to Know God, Grow in Faith, and Go in Power.”

Who is affected

Mount Calvary Baptist Church: Receives formal recognition from the Virginia House of Delegates.

Hopewell and the Commonwealth: Benefits from the acknowledgment of the church’s long-standing community service and leadership development.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Type of measure: A ceremonial, non-binding resolution acknowledging and commending a local church.

Status: Introduced April 28, 2026; presented and laid on the Speaker’s table the same day.

Sponsorship: Main sponsor is Delegate (Patron) Dougherty, with Co-sponsor Lindsey Dougherty.

Practical impact

Primarily symbolic: Enhances public recognition of Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s historical significance, service contributions, and milestones (notably the 150th anniversary and the 2025 ordination of female deacons).

Potential community PR benefits: May bolster local appreciation and visibility of the church’s ongoing outreach and leadership development activities.