25 LC 39 4787
House Resolution 811
By: Representative Gilliard of the 162
nd
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the life of Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and dedicating a bridge in his
1
memory; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., demonstrated his commitment to teaching3
the Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical,4
psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and5
WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell was born in Edgefield, South Carolina, and earned a6
bachelor's degree from Benedict College and a master of divinity degree from the7
Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion; and8
WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell served as pastor of Rockhill Baptist Church in Saluda, South9
Carolina, before being called by the Lord in 1974 to lead the congregation of Connor's10
Temple Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia; and11
WHEREAS, his vision and direction helped Connor's Temple Baptist Church grow in size12
and influence, uplifting the community like the light of Bethlehem and serving as a spiritual13
leader and place for fellowship; and14
H. R. 811
- 1 - 25 LC 39 4787
WHEREAS, during his over five decades of leadership at Connor's Temple Baptist Church,
15
Reverend Mitchell spearheaded the purchase and renovation of the historic McKelvy-Powell16
Building to serve as a community hub and as a positive symbol of change and community17
activism; and18
WHEREAS, Reverend Mitchell's work was honored with numerous awards and accolades,19
including Omega Man of the Year, the Ivan Allen, Jr. Award for Excellence in Human20
Relations, a WSOK Image Award, and a Fannie Lou Hamer Award; and21
WHEREAS, is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished Georgian22
be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his memory.23
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL24
ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the bridge on State Route 405 over State Route 204 in25
Chatham County is dedicated as the Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge.26
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and27
directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell,28
Jr. Memorial Bridge.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized30
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the31
family of Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., and to the Department of Transportation.32
H. R. 811
- 2 -