Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Nathan Dell.
House Joint Resolution 250 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Nathan Dell, who died on June 13, 2025. The resolution recounts his education, long ministry career, service to the Richmond community, and decades of leadership at Woodville Presbyterian Church, as well as his later roles as interim pastor, chaplain for the Richmond Fire Department, author, and professor of homiletics at Virginia Union University.
The resolution also recognizes his personal and family life, including his 60-year marriage to Willie Dell and his son Wayne, and notes a 2024 tribute event held in his honor. It directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to his family as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and sympathy.
HJ250 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is purely ceremonial: it places the General Assembly’s official recognition into the legislative record and authorizes a presentation copy for the Dell family. The resolution primarily affects the historical and commemorative record rather than any regulated party or statute.
The sentiment around the resolution is uniformly positive and respectful. The bill passed both chambers without any recorded votes or committee controversy in the provided materials, reflecting broad bipartisan agreement typical of memorial resolutions. The language emphasizes admiration for Dell’s faith leadership, community service, teaching, and personal legacy, and expresses sorrow at his passing.
There is no notable contention in the available record. Because the resolution is commemorative, it does not appear to have generated policy debate, opposition, or amendments. The only substantive focus is on honoring Reverend Dell’s contributions to Richmond, the Presbyterian church, and theological education, with the General Assembly acting in a ceremonial capacity.