R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 23, 1997, the Reverend W. E. McGruder 1-2 and his wife, Doris McGruder, were honored for their 55 years of 1-3 outstanding service to the Progressive Baptist Church in Sherman, 1-4 and this special recognition was truly well deserved; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Pastor McGruder was ordained at the age of 17 and 1-6 received the call to become minister of the Progressive Baptist 1-7 Church in 1942; since that time, he has been a source of strength 1-8 and inspiration to several generations of congregants; and 1-9 WHEREAS, This outstanding clergyman further serves the Lord 1-10 and his community as president of the Interdenominational Alliance; 1-11 his outstanding work in behalf of civil rights issues has earned 1-12 him great renown, for he has been listed in the Texas Black History 1-13 Chronicles and was named All-American City Pastor in 1979; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Throughout their exemplary tenure, Reverend and 1-15 Mrs. McGruder have dedicated themselves to promoting hope and 1-16 understanding in their congregation and community, and they are 1-17 indeed worthy of special commendation on this momentous occasion; 1-18 now, therefore, be it 1-19 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 1-20 Legislature hereby honor the Reverend W. E. McGruder and Doris 1-21 McGruder for 55 years of devoted service to the members of 1-22 Progressive Baptist Church and extend to the McGruders sincere best 1-23 wishes for continued fulfillment in the years to come; and, be it 1-24 further 2-1 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-2 prepared for Reverend and Mrs. McGruder as an expression of high 2-3 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Clark _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 451 was adopted by the House on April 11, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House