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Commending Riverview Baptist Church.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, for 140 years, Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond has provided its congregation with inspirational spiritual guidance, joyous occasions for worship and fellowship, and meaningful opportunities for community outreach; and
WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church was founded by a small group that met in the home of Hezekiah Johnson on Lombardy Street beginning in 1885; and
WHEREAS, a year later, the group purchased a parcel of property at 1500 Jacquelin Street that had a view of the James River and named their church Riverview Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, as the congregation grew, Riverview Baptist Church relocated to a second church site in 1923; then, in 1965, it moved to its third and present location on Idlewood Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church has flourished over the years under the leadership of a distinguished line of pastors, from its first pastor, the Reverend G. Johnson, to its 10th and current pastor, the Reverend Dr. Frank Branch III; and
WHEREAS, Riverview Baptist Church helps its members grow in their faith through a variety of ministries, groups, and programs and addresses the needs of the community through a number of charitable outreach endeavors; and
WHEREAS, as a spiritual haven and beacon of light in the Richmond community for generations, Riverview Baptist Church has had a positive and transformative impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Riverview Baptist Church on the occasion of its 140th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Riverview Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the church's contributions to Richmond and the Commonwealth.