Tom Stradley, pastor at Amicalola Baptist Church in Dawsonville, recently served as the state senate’s Chaplain of the Day.

Sen. Chip Pearson, who attends the church, introduced Stradley to the senate at the Capitol last week.

“I was honored to introduce my pastor,  Rev. Stradley, to my colleagues in the Senate,” said Pearson.

“I believe his powerful message served as an inspiration to everyone in the chamber as we prepare for the challenges ahead this legislative session.”

Following opening remarks by President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams, Stradley gave the morning devotional prior to the Senate convening their daily business.

In his message to the Senate, Stradley reflected on the senators’ ability to exert wisdom and exhibit courage while leading the state in actions, choices and decisions, according to a statement released by Pearson.

The pair met in 2006 when Stradley became pastor of the church.

A Georgia native, Stradley was born in Brookhaven where he lived until his teenage years. In 1965, he moved to Cumming and met his high school sweetheart, now his wife of 40 years.

Stradley, who has been a pastor since 1984, served in the military before attending seminary at Andersonville Theological Seminary School in Camilla.

He has a son who lives in Alpharetta and works as a plant manager and a 15-year-old grandson who attends Dawson County High School.