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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall is |
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celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding on November 26, |
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2017; and |
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WHEREAS, One of the oldest African American congregations in |
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Harrison County, Bethesda was established in 1867 by the Reverend |
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William Massey and was originally known as the "Colored Baptist |
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Church"; organized with some 450 initial members, the church played |
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a central role in the religious, social, and political lives of |
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recently freed slaves in the Marshall area; it also helped to meet |
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the educational needs of the community, as its building served as a |
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schoolhouse and its first pastor, Reverend Massey, did double duty |
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as a teacher; and |
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WHEREAS, In the early 1880s, Bethesda supported the |
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establishment in Marshall of Bishop College for the purpose of |
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training African American teachers and preachers; David Abner, one |
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of the church's founders and a prominent Reconstruction-era |
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politician and public servant, was instrumental in the creation of |
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the college and served on its first board of trustees; over the |
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years, the congregation's strong link with the school led to |
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Bethesda's becoming known as the "College Church"; since Bishop's |
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move to Dallas in 1961, the church has developed a close |
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relationship with Wiley College; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, members of Bethesda support a number of |
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ministries that provide myriad opportunities for spiritual growth, |
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fellowship, and outreach; this dynamic congregation has benefited |
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from the efforts of many dedicated ministers since its inception, |
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and Bethesda is now fortunate to be led by the Reverend James |
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E. Webb, who assumed the pulpit in 1998; and |
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WHEREAS, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church has long served |
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as a source of inspiration and guidance to those who worship there, |
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and its continued existence is a testament to the unwavering |
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commitment of its members and clergy, both past and present; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the |
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sesquicentennial of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall |
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and extend to all those associated with the church sincere best |
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wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Bethesda MBC as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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Paddie |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 230 was adopted by the House on August |
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15, 2017, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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