By Holzheauser                                         H.R. No. 422

         75R9205 SAJ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, This year, members of the Mount Salem American

 1-2     Baptist Church are celebrating 125 years of faithful service to the

 1-3     Lord, and this remarkable milestone is indeed worthy of special

 1-4     praise and recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, The church was organized in the community of

 1-6     Indianola on May 19, 1872, but its edifice was destroyed by the

 1-7     hurricanes of 1875 and 1886; the Reverend and Mrs. Robert Greer and

 1-8     20 devout members later moved to Victoria and brought with them the

 1-9     original bell and pulpit, along with salvaged lumber, to start the

1-10     church anew; and

1-11           WHEREAS, Inspired leadership and an active congregation have

1-12     helped the Mount Salem American Baptist Church to flourish over

1-13     time, and for many years the church has played a vital role in its

1-14     community; and

1-15           WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, the Mount Salem

1-16     American Baptist Church has provided outstanding spiritual

1-17     leadership and moral guidance to its congregation; the church

1-18     stands today as a tribute to the dedication and hard work of its

1-19     members, past and present, who have devoted their time, energy, and

1-20     resources to ensure its continued existence as a house of God; now,

1-21     therefore, be it

1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-23     Legislature hereby honor the Mount Salem American Baptist Church on

1-24     the occasion of its 125th anniversary and commend its members for

 2-1     the many significant contributions they have made to their

 2-2     community; and, be it further

 2-3           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-4     prepared for the Mount Salem American Baptist Church as an

 2-5     expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.