WHEREAS, Sappony Baptist Church in Stony Creek, one of the first Baptist churches built in the Commonwealth, celebrates more than 240 years of joyfully worshipping in the Baptist tradition and serving and strengthening the Sussex County community in 2015; and

WHEREAS, originally known as Sappony Meeting House, Sappony Baptist Church was established in 1773 with John Rivers as its first pastor; the church opened its doors to all faithful members of the community, regardless of ethnicity or background; and

WHEREAS, a steadfast witness to history, Sappony Baptist Church was the site of an engagement between Confederate and Union forces in the American Civil War; numerous cannonball holes sustained by the church during the battle are still viewable, preserved behind protective glass; and

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, the members of Sappony Baptist Church have nurtured their faith and worked to enhance the entire community; the church has completed numerous renovations and enhancements with the help and generosity of countless local residents; and

WHEREAS, the Sappony Baptist Church congregation has been ably led by many dedicated pastors, all of whom have provided inspiring worship services, sound biblical teachings, and a strong commitment to mission work; and

WHEREAS, an active leader in the region and the faith community, Sappony Baptist Church participated in the World Mission Conference in 1999 and donated to Hurricane Floyd disaster relief in Franklin; the church is also approved for use as a local shelter in times of disaster; and

WHEREAS, Sappony Baptist Church commemorated its anniversary with a special homecoming service and a lunch on June 21, 2015, bringing together current and former members of the congregation to celebrate the church's legacy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Sappony Baptist Church hereby be commended for its contributions to the community on the occasion of its 242nd anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend James Stone, pastor of Sappony Baptist Church, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the church's proud history of spiritual leadership and service to Stony Creek and Sussex County.