By: Ellis S.R. No. 30 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas proudly 1-3 recognizes The Right Reverend Maurice M. Benitez, D. D., for his 1-4 14 years of loyal service as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of 1-5 Texas; and 1-6 WHEREAS, A highly accomplished scholar and theologian, 1-7 Bishop Benitez earned a bachelor of divinity degree in 1958 and 1-8 a doctor of divinity degree in 1973 from the School of Theology, 1-9 University of the South; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Ordained as a priest in 1959, Bishop Benitez 1-11 served in parishes in Florida until 1968 when he became Rector of 1-12 Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio; he then served as Rector 1-13 of the Episcopal Church of Saint John the Divine in Houston from 1-14 1974 to 1980; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas 1-16 in 1980, Bishop Benitez has ministered faithfully to the needs of 1-17 innumerable Christians; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Under his outstanding leadership and guidance, 1-19 Episcopal churches throughout Texas have provided enlightenment, 1-20 hope, and support to their communities; and 1-21 WHEREAS, In addition to attending to the needs of his 1-22 churches, Bishop Benitez has been serving as Chairman of the 1-23 Board of Directors of Saint Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, 2-1 Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Theological 2-2 Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, and Chairman of the Board of 2-3 Trustees of Saint Stephen's School in Austin; he also serves as a 2-4 member of the Board of Trustees of the Baylor College of Medicine 2-5 in Houston and the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee; 2-6 and 2-7 WHEREAS, A man of great spiritual depth and devotion, 2-8 Bishop Benitez has been a source of strength and inspiration 2-9 to Episcopal priests throughout the state, and his work has had 2-10 a positive influence on the lives of countless citizens; now, 2-11 therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-13 74th Legislature, hereby commend The Right Reverend Maurice 2-14 M. Benitez, D. D., for his fervent service to the Episcopal 2-15 Church, his fellowman, and the State of Texas and extend to 2-16 him best wishes for the retirement years ahead; and, be it 2-17 further 2-18 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared 2-19 for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. 2-20 ______________________________________ 2-21 President of the Senate 2-22 I hereby certify that the above 2-23 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-24 on January 16, 1995. 2-25 ______________________________________ 3-1 Secretary of the Senate 3-2 ______________________________________ 3-3 Member, Texas Senate