2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 403
Commending Harvest Assembly Baptist Church.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2025
WHEREAS, for more than 35 years, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church in Alexandria has provided its community with uplifting spiritual guidance, joyful occasions for worship and fellowship, and abundant opportunities for charitable outreach; and
WHEREAS, since it was established on April 12, 1987, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church has been admirably led by its founder and pastor, Johnnie L. Abram, and his wife, assistant pastor Velvet L. Abram, who have seen their following grow from a small group to a congregation of several hundred people; and
WHEREAS, after operating out of temporary locations in Alexandria and Lorton in its early years, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church held its first services in its own constructed sanctuary on December 7, 1991; and
WHEREAS, as more individuals and families were drawn to Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, the congregation outgrew its first permanent sanctuary, requiring it to build and relocate to a new building on Fordson Road in Alexandria in 2003; the church then purchased and built additional buildings over the years to enhance its operations and ability to serve the community; and
WHEREAS, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church organizes several ministries, such as its education ministry and music ministry, to foster its members' spiritual, physical, and mental well-being; and
WHEREAS, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church carries out a number of charitable initiatives to assist members of the community in need, including its annual Back to School Festival, which provides students with school supplies, haircuts, and other services to prepare them for a productive year of learning; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of their unwavering support and the positive impact their programs have had on the community, the leaders of Harvest Assembly Baptist Church have been honored by the Fairfax County branch of the NAACP; and
WHEREAS, by promoting hope, faith, and unity in the community with unwavering love and devotion, Harvest Assembly Baptist Church has helped to make Alexandria and the surrounding area a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harvest Assembly Baptist Church for its dedication and legacy of service; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harvest Assembly Baptist Church as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the church's contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for its future endeavors.