HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, On June 19, 1997, the members of St. Moses the Black

 1-2     African Orthodox Church in Lubbock will celebrate the church's

 1-3     third anniversary, and this milestone is indeed deserving of

 1-4     special recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, This year will continue to hold special significance

 1-6     for the congregation, as the denomination will meet in Lubbock for

 1-7     its annual synod from August 6 to 10, marking the first time in the

 1-8     church's 76-year history that this auspicious event will be held in

 1-9     our state; the theme of this year's synod is "Celebrating 76 Years

1-10     of Ecclesiastical Freedom," and it will take place under the astute

1-11     leadership of Archbishop Jamen Bernardt Primate; and

1-12           WHEREAS, St. Moses the Black, under the direction of Bishop

1-13     James E.  Bramble,  is the first African orthodox church

1-14     established in Texas; it traces its roots to 1921, when the

1-15     denomination was established in New York City, with Father George

1-16     Alexander McGuire as its first Bishop and Primate; and

1-17           WHEREAS, Since St. Moses the Black was founded, its pastor,

1-18     Vicar General Father McKinley Shephard, and his congregation and

1-19     staff have pursued the highest ideals of Christian service, and

1-20     they have been active in the Order of Saint Basil and a number of

1-21     other programs that have greatly benefited their fellow citizens;

1-22     and

1-23           WHEREAS, St. Moses the Black African Orthodox Church has

1-24     provided outstanding spiritual leadership and moral guidance to its

 2-1     faithful members, and it stands today as a tribute to the

 2-2     dedication and hard work of those individuals who have devoted

 2-3     their time, energy, and resources to ensure its continued existence

 2-4     as a house of God; now, therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-6     hereby honor St. Moses the Black African Orthodox Church on the

 2-7     occasion of its third anniversary and commend Vicar General Father

 2-8     McKinley Shephard and his congregation for the many significant

 2-9     contributions they have made to the betterment of their community;

2-10     and, be it further

2-11           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-12     prepared  for St. Moses the Black African Orthodox Church as an

2-13     expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and

2-14     Senate.

                                                            Jones of Lubbock

         _______________________________     _______________________________

             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.C.R. No. 122 was adopted by the House on

         April 3, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House

               I certify that H.C.R. No. 122 was adopted by the Senate on

         May 5, 1997, by a viva-voce vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Secretary of the Senate

         APPROVED:  _____________________

                            Date

                    _____________________

                          Governor