Commending the Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Krizek and 2 co-sponsors

The General Assembly commends Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White for over 25 years of leadership at Bethlehem Baptist Church and his community outreach in Gum Springs, Alexandria.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ397ER)

SJ397ER — Senate Joint Resolution Commending Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White

Bill at a glance

Bill number: SJ397 (as enrolled SJ397ER)

Title: Commending the Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White

Type: Ceremonial resolution (non-binding)

Status: Passed by both chambers and enrolled (as of March 3, 2025)

Introduced: February 17, 2025

Latest actions: Agreed to by Senate (Feb. 19, 2025); Agreed to by House of Delegates (Feb. 20, 2025); Enrolled (Mar. 3, 2025)

Patronage: Senator Surovell; Delegates Krizek and McQuinn

Purpose: To commend and recognize the Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White on his retirement as senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and his service to the Gum Springs community in Alexandria

Purpose and intent

SJ397ER expresses official commendation and admiration from the General Assembly for Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White’s more-than-25-year tenure as senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, highlighting his spiritual leadership, community outreach, and role as a faith leader and community champion in Alexandria, Virginia.

Key provisions and provisions’ highlights

Formal commendation: The General Assembly “commends” Dr. White on the occasion of his retirement as senior pastor.

Community and church leadership: Recognition of his long leadership, growth and expansion of church programs (music/audio-video ministries, mission programs, Bible study classes) and the ordination of the first female deacon in the congregation.

Community impact: Acknowledgment of Bethlehem Baptist Church as a pillar of the Gum Spring community and its outreach, including a food bank serving more than 50 individuals and families weekly.

Personal and professional background: Notes his Louisiana roots, four-generational ministry lineage, and academic credentials (including degrees from Grambling State University, Virginia Union’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and Howard University School of Divinity) and leadership roles in various religious and civic organizations.

Formal action: The Clerk of the Senate is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Reverend Dr. Darrell K. White.

Who is affected

Bethlehem Baptist Church and its congregation

Residents of the Gum Springs/Kingstowne area and the broader Alexandria community benefiting from the church’s outreach

Dr. Darrell K. White as the recognized individual

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: February 17, 2025

Senate passage: February 19, 2025 (voice vote)

House passage: February 20, 2025 (voice vote)

Enrolled: March 3, 2025

Nature: Ceremonial resolution; non-binding, primarily symbolic recognition

Background on honoree (summary)

Dr. White has led Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 25 years, has overseen programmatic and outreach growth, and has been active in regional religious and civic organizations. He has also contributed to local faith-based and community initiatives, including food assistance efforts.