SR 122 — Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr.

SESSION INTRODUCEDENROLLED 24108358D I SENATE RESOLUTION NO.

122 NE OfferedN March 4, 2024 Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr.

––––––––––LeeMarcellus Lee Harris, Jr.

TAgreed Patron––Locketo by the Senate, March 6, 2024 R ––––––––––O WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr.

Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr., an honorable veteran, esteemed pastor, OL devoted civil rights activist and advocate, and beloved member and leader of the Newport News D community, died on February 10, 2024;

ande, and beloved member and leader of the Newport News WHEREAS, a native of Newport News, Marcellus Harris worked at the Newport News Shipyard as aUa teeWHEREAS,L Marcellusteenager Harris enlisted with the United States Navy and servedgraduated hisfrom country with C honor and distinction during the warhistoric inCollis Vietnam,P. where he heard his calling to preach and serveEothers as a faith leader;

andHuntington WHEREAS,High MarcellusSchool Harrisin attended1960; West Virginia State University and earned degrees from D Norfolk State University, United Christian College, National Theological Seminary and College, Richmond Virginia Seminary, and Canaan Theological Seminary and College, with his highest educational achievement being a doctor of ministry degree;

and IvyE Baptisthonor Church and twodistinction yearsduring laterthe becamewar thein pastorVietnam, ofwhere Firsthe Baptistheard Churchhis Morrison,calling whereto hepreach ledand theserve congregationothers untilD hisas retirementa infaith 2016;leader;

and WHEREAS, asMarcellus theHarris pastorattended ofWest FirstVirginia BaptistState ChurchUniversity Morrison,and Marcellusearned Harrisdegrees providedfrom hisNorfolk congregationState withUniversity, upliftingUnited spiritualChristian guidanceCollege, National Theological Seminary and abundantCollege, opportunitieseducational forachievement worship,being fellowshSp,a anddoctor communityof outreach;ministry degree;

andandd 1College, with his highest WHEREAS, after returning to Newport News in 1969, Marcellus Harris'sHarris indefatigablebegan effortshis ministry work at FirstIvy Baptist Church Morrisonand weretwo vitalyears tolater became the church'spastor growthof andFirst developmentBaptist overChurch theMorrison, years,where contributinghe greatlyS toled itsthe prosperitycongregation anduntil longevity;his retirement in 2016;

and 1 congregation with uplifting spiritual guidance and abundant opportunities for worship, fellowship, and E community outreach;

and R WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris's indefatigable efforts at First Baptist Church Morrison were vital to the church's growth and development over the years, contributing greatly to its prosperity and longevity;

and WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris extended his ministry beyond the church in various ways, including as the host of a radio show on the Christian station WTJZ, as a frequent contributor to The New Journal and Guide, as founder of United Campus Ministries at Christopher Newport University, as vice president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, and as a member of the Hampton Roads chapter of the 35Southern SouWHEREAS,Christian MarcellusLeadership HarrisConference; was dedicated to the well-being of young people in the Newport News 36 community, coaching youth basketball and serving as a mentor to many over the years;

and 37community, WHEREAS,coaching Marcellusyouth Harrisbasketball will be fondly remembered and dearlyserving missedas bya hismentor lovingto wife,many /over 38the Annette;years;

andort News WHEREAS, Marcellus Harris will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Annette;

now, 39 therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Dr.

Marcellus Lee Harris, Jr., a treasured member of the Newport News community who was a source of RESOLVEDjoy FURTHER,and Thatinspiration the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to theall familywho ofknew thehim; Reverend Dr.

and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr.