WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 320

Memorials, Retirement - Reverend Kenneth Hill -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Ceremonial Tennessee Joint Resolution honoring Reverend Kenneth Hill on his retirement from Shorter Chapel AME, recognizing 43 years of ministry and community leadership.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #retirement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 320

Summary of HJR 320 (Memorials, Retirement) — Reverend Kenneth Hill

What the bill is

House Joint Resolution 320 is a ceremonial, commemorative measure adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly. It honors Reverend Kenneth Hill on the occasion of his retirement from the pastorate of Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Franklin and acknowledges his decades of ministry and community leadership. The measure was introduced March 7, 2025 and was signed by the Governor on March 26, 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • To honor and recognize Reverend Kenneth Hill for his religious leadership, community service, and sustained contributions to the AME Church and Franklin/Williamson County.
  • To acknowledge his retirement as pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church and to express appreciation for his meritorious service.
  • To highlight Hill’s role in fostering unity and community engagement, including his public leadership in civic initiatives such as Unite Williamson.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution commends Reverend Hill for:
    • Forty-three years of active ministry.
    • Ten years of leadership as pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church.
    • Educational achievements (Master of Theology from Harvard Divinity School; PhD from the University of Michigan) and prior leadership roles within the AME Church (Fourth Executive Director of Christian Education, 13th Episcopal District; Presiding Elder of East Tennessee and West Kentucky Annual Conferences).
    • Contributions to church education, literature, and teacher guides; leadership in starting new ministries and improving church programming.
    • Community involvement in Franklin/Williamson County history preservation and the Unite Williamson initiative (founded with Franklin Mayor Ken Moore in 2018).
    • Authorship of books and teaching engagements at universities and seminaries.
  • The resolution directs that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.
  • As a joint resolution, it serves a ceremonial purpose and does not enact new laws or impose fiscal obligations.

Who is affected

  • Reverend Kenneth Hill (the subject of the memorial).
  • Shorter Chapel AME Church and its congregation.
  • Franklin and Williamson County communities, particularly those engaged with Unite Williamson and local historical preservation efforts.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly and broader public who observe ceremonial recognitions recognizing community leaders.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025
  • House actions: Adopted in House; measure placed on consent calendar; sponsor additions and transmission to Senate (mid-March 2025)
  • Senate actions: Placed on Senate Consent Calendar; concurrence and signing steps executed (March 18–21, 2025)
  • Governor: Transmitted March 25, 2025; signed March 26, 2025
  • Overall status: Signed by Governor; effective as a memorial resolution recognizing Reverend Hill’s retirement.

Notable biographical highlights (from the bill)

  • Birthplace: Martinsville, Virginia; raised in Detroit, Michigan.
  • Education: Wayne State University (education), Harvard Divinity School (Master of Theology), University of Michigan (PhD).
  • AME Church leadership: Executive Director of Christian Education (13th Episcopal District); Presiding Elder (East Tennessee & West Kentucky Annual Conferences).
  • Longtime community involvement and authorship; co-founder of Unite Williamson.

Bottom line

HJR 320 is a formal, ceremonial tribute commissioning formal recognition of Reverend Kenneth Hill’s decades of ministry and community leadership as he retires from Shorter Chapel AME Church, reflecting the General Assembly’s appreciation for his service and impact.

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

Sign in to ask a question.