H.C.R. No. 165 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The members of the Texas Legislature are proud to 1-2 honor the Reverend Dr. C. A. W. Clark, Sr., for the outstanding 1-3 spiritual leadership he has provided to citizens throughout the 1-4 world during the 65 years he has preached the good news of the 1-5 gospel; and 1-6 WHEREAS, A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Clark 1-7 answered his life's calling to serve the Lord at the age of 14 and 1-8 within a year was enthralling the many faithful who came to hear 1-9 the young preacher share his dynamic religious message; by the age 1-10 of 19, he had become a full-fledged pastor in the church and soon 1-11 went on to lead congregations in the states of Louisiana and 1-12 Tennessee; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Eventually his life's path led him to the Good 1-14 Street Baptist Church in Dallas, where he has ministered to the 1-15 spiritual concerns of the many parishioners of this eminent church 1-16 since 1950, providing its members with inspiration and support 1-17 during times of tragedy and triumph and creating a positive 1-18 environment in which the religious life of the community has 1-19 flourished; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Dr. Clark is a recognized leader of the Baptist 1-21 faith who has been called "an ambassador of God" and a "preacher's 1-22 preacher" by his peers; he has lent outstanding direction to many 1-23 who share his strong faith and has held such prominent positions as 1-24 president of the Baptist Missionary and Education State Convention 2-1 of Texas and as vice president at large of the National Baptist 2-2 Convention, USA, Inc., an organization in which he has life 2-3 membership and has played a key role in promoting its important 2-4 activities; and 2-5 WHEREAS, His work in spreading the word of God has led him to 2-6 preach in all 50 states, as well as Europe, Africa, and the former 2-7 Soviet Union, and his vast contributions to the welfare of others 2-8 have garnered him more than 100 well-deserved awards and plaques, 2-9 as well as keys to cities across America; and 2-10 WHEREAS, A graduate of Bishop College, Dr. Clark also donates 2-11 his time to many worthwhile civic concerns in his community, is a 2-12 33rd Degree Mason, and is a valued member of Paul Drayton Lodge #9, 2-13 the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Dale 2-14 Consistory #31, and Zakat Temple #164; and 2-15 WHEREAS, Dr. C. A. W. Clark, Sr., has benefitted countless 2-16 individuals in his community and throughout the world with his 2-17 powerful spiritual teachings, and it is indeed fitting at this time 2-18 that he receive our highest praise and acknowledgment for his 2-19 substantial contributions in this regard; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-21 hereby commend Dr. C. A. W. Clark, Sr., for more than six decades 2-22 of service to his fellow man as a preacher, pastor, and civic 2-23 leader; and, be it further 2-24 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-25 prepared for Dr. Clark as an expression of highest regard by the 2-26 Legislature of the State of Texas.