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Bill

Bill

HR 2004

Commending St. John Baptist Church of Woodford.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 23 co-sponsors

Recognizes St. John Baptist Church of Woodford for 160 years of history, leadership, and community contributions in Caroline County.

Bill text as passed House (HR2004ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 2004

Summary of Bill: HR 2004 (2026 Special Session I, Virginia)

Title

Commending St. John Baptist Church of Woodford

Purpose and Intent

  • This is a House of Delegates resolution recognizing and commending St. John Baptist Church of Woodford on the occasion of its 160th anniversary.
  • The resolution expresses admiration for the church’s history, leadership, and contributions to the Caroline County community.

Key Provisions

  • Acknowledges the 160-year history of St. John Baptist Church of Woodford.
  • Documents the church’s historical roots dating to March 1866, including its origin as a Black congregation with ties to New Bethel Baptist Church in Caroline County.
  • Outlines major historical milestones:
    • Formation after a sermon by Reverend James F. Wright and Deacon Arthur Beasley’s leadership.
    • Establishment of a brush arbor on Brick Kiln Hill and naming of the church St. John Baptist Church.
    • Donation of land and funds by Deacon Beasley in 1975 to support construction of a permanent sanctuary.
    • Renovations in 1900 and 1922, with the current brick building erected in 1936.
    • Leadership by eight pastors over its history.
  • Calls for the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to St. John Baptist Church of Woodford as an expression of the House’s admiration.

Who/What Is Affected

  • St. John Baptist Church of Woodford, its members, and the broader Caroline County community receive formal recognition from the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than policy or fiscal action.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Bill Type: House Resolution (HR)
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I
  • Introduced: April 22, 2026
  • Action: Presented and laid on Speaker’s Table
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor N. T. Cole; Co-sponsor Nicole Cole
  • Status: Acknowledgment/recognition measure; no anticipated fiscal impact or regulatory changes
  • Effective Date: Not applicable (ceremonial resolution)

Notes

  • The bill does not propose regulatory changes, funding allocations, or programmatic mandates. Its primary function is ceremonial acknowledgment of the church’s 160-year history and community contributions.
  • The content provides historical background intended to inform readers about the church’s origins, evolution, and impact on the local community.

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

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