By Jones of Dallas H.R. No. 52 74R3656 PAN-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Dr. Reginald Mack Leffall on the occasion of his retirement from 1-3 the ministry; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A native of Dallas, he earned a bachelor of science 1-5 degree from Bishop College and a master's degree from the 1-6 University of California at Los Angeles, with additional graduate 1-7 studies undertaken at Harvard University and New York University; 1-8 and 1-9 WHEREAS, From 1963 to 1980, this outstanding clergyman 1-10 distinguished himself in the field of education as a respected 1-11 administrator at his alma mater, Bishop College; a close advisor to 1-12 the school's president, he also drew on his considerable leadership 1-13 skills during his exemplary tenure as a vice president for the 1-14 college to raise and administer $83 million in behalf of the 1-15 school; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Dr. Leffall received his doctorate of divinity 1-17 degree from the Union Baptist College and Seminary in 1979 and, 1-18 shortly thereafter, moved to Los Angeles where he accepted a 1-19 position with one of the strongest African American churches in the 1-20 nation, St. Paul Baptist Church; on August 11, 1985, he was named 1-21 to the pastorate of St. Paul where his strong faith and 1-22 understanding guidance have since served as a source of inspiration 1-23 to the members of his congregation for nearly a decade; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, this fine gentleman has 2-1 received a number of well-deserved accolades, including three 2-2 honorary degrees and recognition as one of the "Outstanding Young 2-3 Men in America" in 1973; and 2-4 WHEREAS, In Dr. Leffall, the church has found a preacher, a 2-5 prophet, and a stalwart friend for the work of the church; he has 2-6 provided comfort and direction to numerous individuals throughout 2-7 his years with the church and he is indeed deserving of special 2-8 legislative recognition on the occasion of his retirement; now, 2-9 therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby honor Dr. Reginald Mack Leffall for his many 2-12 years of exceptional service to the church and extend to him 2-13 sincere best wishes for continued happiness and fulfillment in the 2-14 years to come; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for Dr. Leffall as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Texas House of Representatives.