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HR452 • 2026

Commending Ashburn Presbyterian Church.

<p class=ldtitle>Commending Ashburn Presbyterian Church.</p>

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Reid
Last action
2026-03-13
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill does not provide specifics on how it affects people outside those who attend Ashburn Presbyterian Church, nor does it mention any future actions beyond commending the church.

Commending Ashburn Presbyterian Church

This bill commends Ashburn Presbyterian Church on its 150th anniversary in 2026.

What This Bill Does

  • Says that Ashburn Presbyterian Church is being commended for its 150th anniversary in 2026.
  • Notes that the church was originally called Farmwell Presbyterian Church and has a special architectural style known as Carpenter Gothic.
  • Remembers the church's history of community service, including wartime support by women serving as elders.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Ashburn Presbyterian Church
  • The people who attend Ashburn Presbyterian Church

Terms To Know

Carpenter Gothic
A style of church architecture that uses wood in a way that looks like medieval Gothic buildings.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not give any money or change laws, it only commends the church.
  • It is unclear if anyone outside the House of Delegates will receive a copy of this resolution.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-13 House

    Engrossed by House

  2. 2026-03-13 House

    Agreed to by House by voice vote

  3. 2026-03-12 House

    Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26109651D

Official Summary Text

Commending Ashburn Presbyterian Church.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Commending Ashburn Presbyterian Church.

WHEREAS, Ashburn Presbyterian Church, a historic church that faithfully serves the Ashburn community, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Ashburn Presbyterian Church was founded in 1876 as Farmwell Presbyterian Church in the rural village that was then known as Farmwell; the church sanctuary was built in 1878 and today the church remains one of the only Carpenter Gothic churches in Northern Virginia and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the church, later renamed as Ashburn Presbyterian Church, has been faithfully served by reverends, elders, and deacons whose mission is to serve others through word and deed; and

WHEREAS, Ashburn Presbyterian Church has been known for its picnics and ice cream festivals on the church lawn, with milk donated by the many dairy farms in the area; and

WHEREAS, the women of the church, called Presbyterian Women, were active during wartime, providing food and layettes, as well as shelter for those in need; in 1971, the congregation elected the first women to serve as elders, Ruth Boone Judd, Betty Rowland, and Marian Eamich; and

WHEREAS, the church experienced dramatic growth in the 1990s and has expanded to include a fellowship hall, new sanctuary, staff offices, and preschool classrooms; the church is also home to a library of donated books and items, given in honor of loved ones; and

WHEREAS, the Ashburn Presbyterian Church congregation serves its members and community through its missions, Backpack Buddies, Celebration Preschool, Christmas activities, Easter activities, Bible studies, Sunday services, Scout meetings, youth group, and prayer meetings; and

WHEREAS, the doors of Ashburn Presbyterian Church are open every day to meet the needs of others, pray for those in need, celebrate, and remember those who first brought the church community together 150 years ago; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Ashburn Presbyterian Church hereby be commended on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Reverend Robert Zemke, Pastor of Ashburn Presbyterian Church, as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for the church's long history of worship and service to the community.