By Clark                                               H.R. No. 449

         75R8500 SAJ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, This year, members of Antioch Baptist Church are

 1-2     celebrating 135 years of faithful service to the religious needs of

 1-3     their community, and this remarkable milestone is indeed worthy of

 1-4     special praise and recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1862, the church has played a

 1-6     vital role in the Bells community and has become a spiritual

 1-7     bedrock to generations of devout members; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, Inspired leadership and an active congregation have

 1-9     helped Antioch Baptist Church to flourish over time; its current

1-10     preacher, the Reverend Dr. Lowell C. Howard, began his ministry in

1-11     June 1990 and for more than six years has offered comfort and

1-12     wisdom to his growing flock as a minister, evangelist, and

1-13     counselor; and

1-14           WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, Antioch Baptist Church

1-15     has provided outstanding spiritual leadership and moral guidance to

1-16     its congregation; the church stands today as a tribute to the

1-17     dedication and hard work of its members, past and present, who have

1-18     devoted their time, energy, and resources to ensure its continued

1-19     existence as a house of God; now, therefore, be it

1-20           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-21     Legislature hereby honor Antioch Baptist Church on the occasion of

1-22     its 135th anniversary and commend Dr. Lowell C. Howard and his

1-23     congregation for the many significant contributions they have made

1-24     to their community; and, be it further

 2-1           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-2     prepared for Antioch Baptist Church as an expression of high regard

 2-3     by the Texas House of Representatives.