By Clark                                               H.R. No. 451

         75R8505 SAJ-D                           

                                 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.