HR86 Summary

• Commends Dr. Tommie L. Lewis on his retirement as Senior Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pratt City, Birmingham, Alabama, after 42 years of service.

• Recognizes Dr. Lewis's 52 years of pastoral service beginning with his first assignment at First Baptist Church in Carver, Bessemer, Alabama in 1972, followed by service at Antioch Baptist Church in Gadsden, and missionary work throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

• Notes that under Dr. Lewis's leadership at Bethel starting in 1982, the church experienced significant growth, established numerous ministries, and helped 53 individuals enter ministry; the church rebuilt its sanctuary after a tornado destroyed the original building in 2014.

• Highlights Dr. Lewis's civic and religious leadership roles including serving as Moderator of the Peace Baptist District Association, Chairman of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, Board Chairman of the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity, and founding administrator of the Pratt City Disaster Relief Center.

• Schedules Dr. Lewis's farewell worship service for Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.