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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Strangers Rest Baptist Church, which is celebrating |
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its 80th anniversary; and |
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WHEREAS, Strangers Rest Baptist Church began as a Sunday |
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school class in the home of its founding pastor, the late |
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Reverend M. C. Watson, in 1941; a small group of faithful members |
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soon purchased a lot at Donnelly Avenue and Horne Street and |
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built a small-frame sanctuary, and Pastor Watson guided the |
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congregation there until November of 1947; and |
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WHEREAS, The late Reverend Roy W. West was called to lead |
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the church in 1948, and through his guidance, the church family |
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of 50 flourished and grew to more than 300 members; the church |
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opened a new sanctuary in 1952; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1979, the Strangers Rest congregation elected |
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the late Reverend Roy E. West as pastor, and he guided the church |
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through an impressive era of growth and outreach; during his |
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spiritual tenure, the church family grew to 900 members and |
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benefited from a new phase of expansion that included a bi-level |
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educational complex; and |
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WHEREAS, For the last six years, the church has prospered |
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under the exemplary leadership of the Reverend Eddie Brown Sr.; |
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this devoted minister has ushered in an era of transformation and |
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ministry development that has strengthened the church and its |
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members while promoting a healthier, happier community; and |
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WHEREAS, Strangers Rest Baptist Church has long been an |
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invaluable source of strength and comfort for its members and a |
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beacon of hope and support for area residents; the celebration of |
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its 80th anniversary is an opportunity for all to reflect on the |
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church's rich history and on the ministries it has established to |
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the benefit of the community; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th |
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Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend best wishes to the |
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clergy and members of Strangers Rest Baptist Church on the joyous |
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occasion of its 80th anniversary; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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the church as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |