By Jones of Lubbock H.C.R. No. 122 75R5557 SAJ-D 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.