House Resolution 318
By: Representatives Olaleye of the 59
th
, Miller of the 62
nd
, Willis of the 55
th
, Reese of the
140
th
, Berry of the 56
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr.; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has demonstrated his commitment to2
teaching the Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical,3
psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and4
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2024, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. began his leadership5
as the eighth pastor of the historic Wheat Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and6
WHEREAS, prior to his new role, he served as pastor at Second Missionary Baptist Church,7
Kokomo, Indiana, where he led the establishment of a Community Development8
Corporation, Embracing Hope of Howard County, and spearheaded the renovation of the9
historic Douglass School to serve as a community museum and cultural center; and10
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has been widely recognized for his11
dedication to intergenerational ministry, having been invited to speak nationally and12
internationally in England, Australia, and Japan, and he is the distinguished author of Under13
One Roof: Building an Intergenerational Church; and14 WHEREAS, he has further served on numerous denominational, ecumenical, and community15
boards, including the Indiana Missionary Baptist State Convention, the Mayor's Council for16
Substance Abuse, the Human Rights Commission, and the Christian Theological Seminary17
Board of Trustees; and18
WHEREAS, his divine and faithful leadership has been recognized by numerous institutions19
including Wesley Theological Seminary, Calvin College, Morehouse College's Martin Luther20
King Jr. International College of Pastoral Leadership, and the Wabash College Pastoral21
Leadership Program; and22
WHEREAS, whether the task is preparing a sermon, visiting the sick, counseling the23
troubled, baptizing a new believer, or acting as a theologian, educator, administrator, or24
humanitarian, Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. has shown the energy, devotion, and25
commitment truly reflective of divine guidance; and26
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize the outstanding accomplishments27
and dynamic Christian ministry of this devout and pious man.28
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29
the members of this body recognize and commend Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr. for his30
innumerable good works rendered upon those in need and extend best wishes for many more31
years of successful fellowship and leadership.32
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to34
Reverend Dr. William J. Smith Jr.35