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HJR 1252

Memorials, Recognition - Ocoee Church of God, 50th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Howell

Recognizes and commends the Ocoee Church of God for 50 years of ministry, leadership, and community outreach in Polk County and across Tennessee.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1252

Summary of Bill HJR 1252 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Title

Memorials, Recognition - Ocoee Church of God, 50th anniversary

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor and recognize the Ocoee Church of God on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary.
  • Acknowledges the church’s historical role, leadership, community outreach, and spiritual impact in Polk County, Tennessee.

Key Provisions

  • Officially designates HJR 1252 as a concurrent resolution of both the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate recognizing the church.
  • Expresses appreciation for:
    • The church’s five decades of ministry (established in 1976; 50th anniversary in 2026).
    • Founding leadership by Pastors Robert “Bob” Lee Whitmire and Jean Whitmire.
    • Ongoing stewardship by Pastors Michael “Mike” Lee Whitmire and Sandy Whitmire since February 2020.
    • The church’s role in mentoring church leaders, singers, musicians, teachers, and pastors who serve in Tennessee, across the U.S., and globally.
    • The church’s mission of compassion, generosity, biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and community outreach.
    • Its stated welcoming spirit and commitment to dignity, respect, and unity.
  • Highlights the church’s organizational breadth, noting more than 24 outreach ministries (e.g., GriefShare Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Benevolence Ministry, Hope Squad, Care Team Ministries) operating from its Ocoee location.

Who or What is Affected

  • The Ocoee Church of God and its leadership (past and present) in Polk County, Tennessee.
  • The broader Tennessee community by recognizing a faith-based institution’s positive social and spiritual contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is a concurrent resolution honoring a nonprofit church.
  • Timeline within the bill:
    • Anniversary milestone commemorated in 2026 (fiftieth anniversary on May 31, 2026).
  • Legislative history highlights:
    • Introduced and sponsored by Rep. Dan Howell (House) with co-sponsor.
    • Passed House and Senate in April 2026 with unanimous or near-unanimous votes in both chambers (e.g., House concurrence with a vote of 90-0, 2 PNV noted; Senate actions include consent calendar and signatures).
    • transmitted to the Governor for action in April 2026; subsequently signed by the Senate Speaker and House Speaker, then enrolled and awaiting final governor’s action.

Impact

  • Primarily ceremonial and symbolic, serving to publicly recognize and commend the Ocoee Church of God for its fifty years of ministry, community service, and leadership.
  • May serve to highlight the church as a contributor to social cohesion and faith-based community support within Polk County and the state.

Notes for Readers

  • This is a memorial/proclamation-type measure, common in state legislatures to honor organizations or individuals without creating new law or policy mandates.
  • The resolution emphasizes faith-based community leadership and charitable outreach, aligning with Tennessee’s practice of recognizing notable local institutions.

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

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