2026 SPECIAL SESSION I
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2205
Celebrating the life of the Reverend Ivan T. Harris.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 29, 2026
WHEREAS, the Reverend Ivan T. Harris, a beloved spiritual leader, passionate musician, and dedicated teacher and mentor who helped countless individuals grow in faith and better serve their communities, died on June 18, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Ivan Harris was one of five sons born to the late Frank and Beulah Harris; he grew up in Newport News and graduated from George Washington Carver High School, where he was a talented multi-instrumentalist who participated in the school band and orchestra; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Hampton University, Ivan Harris was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding for 23 years, and he pursued additional education at the Evans-Smith Institute of Church Leadership at Virginia Union University, United Christian College, Trinity Seminary, and Regent University; and
WHEREAS, Ivan Harris began his journey in the ministry as the pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church for three years, then served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church for seven years; and
WHEREAS, Ivan Harris subsequently became the longest-serving pastor in the 160-year history of First Baptist Church Denbigh, where he grew the congregation to more than 2,000 members over the course of his 31 years of visionary leadership; and
WHEREAS, Ivan Harris turned First Baptist Church Denbigh into a beacon of hope and fellowship for the community, establishing its Outreach Center to offer housing for women pursuing higher education, distribute food to local families, and provide clothing to those in need; he also served as co-director of the Boys to Men Mentorship Program, which shaped the lives of young men through education, counseling, and character development; and