HJR 7012

                                                                        <BillNo> <Sponsor>
                                HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 7012
                                               By Hill
                                A RESOLUTION to honor the efforts of Reverend Dwayne
                                             Dickson, Beth Dickson, and the members of
                                             First Christian Church in Mountain City for their
                                             continued service to the people of Johnson
                                             County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
       WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly are pleased to recognize those
individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and commitment in
times of crisis, working to uplift their communities and assist those in need; and
       WHEREAS, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which struck Johnson County on
September 27, 2024, and caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure, many
residents were left in urgent need of assistance, with numerous homes destroyed or severely
damaged and long-term recovery efforts expected to continue for several years; and
       WHEREAS, Reverend Dwayne Dickson and his wife, Beth Dickson, together with the
members of First Christian Church in Mountain City, have distinguished themselves through
their tireless efforts to provide relief, comfort, and hope to those affected by the storm; and
       WHEREAS, through the coordination of volunteer teams from across the United States
and beyond, including groups traveling from states such as Oregon and Utah and from Canada,
First Christian Church has served as a central hub for recovery efforts, hosting teams and
facilitating the repair and rebuilding of homes throughout the county; and
       WHEREAS, under the leadership of the Dicksons, the church has worked on dozens of
homes, including the construction of new residences for families who otherwise would not have
been able to return to safe housing, demonstrating a profound commitment to meeting the
needs of their neighbors; and
       WHEREAS, recovery efforts in Johnson County remain ongoing despite significant
progress, with many families still in need of stable housing, clean water, and continued
                                               HJR7012
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assistance, and the contributions of First Christian Church have been vital in helping the
community move steadily toward recovery; and
       WHEREAS, the selfless actions of these individuals and this congregation exemplify the
spirit of generosity, resilience, and volunteerism that defines the State of Tennessee; and
       WHEREAS, the noteworthy efforts of Reverend Dwayne Dickson, Beth Dickson, and the
members of First Christian Church in Mountain City are a source of great pride for their
community and this State; and
       WHEREAS, their dedication to service is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration,
and commendation of this General Assembly; now, therefore,
       BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that we honor and commend Reverend Dwayne Dickson, Beth Dickson, and
the members of First Christian Church in Mountain City for their continued efforts to provide
relief to the people of Johnson County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and extend to them
our sincere appreciation for their outstanding service.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.
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