Memorials, Recognition - Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 59th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sam McKenzie

HJR 510 ceremonial recognizes Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Knoxville for 59 years of service, honoring its community outreach with no new duties or costs.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Overview

Purpose: A joint resolution recognizing Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Knoxville on the occasion of its fifty-ninth anniversary.

Sponsor: Representative McKenzie.

Status: Signed by the Governor. Governor signed on April 15, 2025; transmission and prior actions occurred in April 2025.

Introduction date: March 26, 2025.

Type and subject: Joint resolution addressing memorials and recognition.

What the bill would do

Officially recognize and celebrate Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on its 59th anniversary (to be observed April 27, 2025).

Acknowledge the church’s historical roots and community impact, including its service and outreach efforts.

Authorize the preparation of an official copy of the resolution for presentation to the congregation, with a minor clerical adjustment to omit the final clause from the copy (a standard ceremonial provision).

Background and context

Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ is located at 2615 Washington Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The church’s lineage traces to a merger of three Holiness Church families: Grace Tabernacle (the Mother Church), New Life-Emmanuel, and Trumpet in Zion.

Grace Tabernacle originated in September 1966 in the Mechanicsville community, founded by Elder Harold J. Bell, later relocating to the Washington Avenue site.

The church’s leadership at various stages included Bishop H. Jenkins Bell, Elder Willie Bragg, Elder Alfred Williams, and ultimately Elder Alfred E. Williams after the merger, under which the Trinity Tabernacle church community continued its ministry.

The resolution highlights the church’s broad outreach and ministry activities, such as:

Community evangelism and outreach
Nursing home and hospital visitations
Food and clothing pantries
Ministry to the homeless
Jail visitation, tent meetings, indoor revivals
Bus ministry and other charitable and spiritual efforts

Legislative action and timeline (key steps)

2025-03-26: Bill introduced.

2025-03-31: House adopted the measure (Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2).

2025-04-01 to 2025-04-07: Engrossed, transmitted to the Senate; Senate concurrence actions followed.

2025-04-07: Concurred by the Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0).

2025-04-09: Enrolled; ready for signature by the Speaker of the House; ratified by Senate leadership and House leadership.

2025-04-09 to 2025-04-14: Transmitted to Governor; Governor action taken on 2025-04-15 (signed).

2025-04-14 to 2025-04-15: Final administrative steps completing enactment.

Who and what is affected

Acknowledgment is framed as a ceremonial, symbolic recognition benefiting Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ and its Knoxville congregation, its history, and its role in the Tennessee faith and broader community.

No new duties, expenditures, or policy changes are attached to the resolution; its effect is commemorative and reputational.

Key takeaways

HJR 510 is a ceremonial memorial recognizing a faith community’s 59 years of service and historical significance in Tennessee.

The measure passed both chambers with broad, unanimous support and received gubernatorial approval, reflecting the non-binding, commemorative nature of such resolutions.

Bill