R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On March 23, 1997, members of John Knox Presbyterian

 1-2     Church celebrated a half-century of faithful service to the

 1-3     spiritual needs of the River Oaks community, and this milestone is

 1-4     indeed worthy of praise and recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, The church was established in January 1947 and named

 1-6     after John Knox, one of the early leaders of the Protestant

 1-7     Reformation; Reverend Winston R. Bryant ministered to 200 charter

 1-8     members as the church's first pastor; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, Inspired leadership and an active congregation

1-10     helped the church to flourish through the years, and the increase

1-11     in its membership rolls has paralleled the growth of its Tarrant

1-12     County community; and

1-13           WHEREAS, In testament to the dedication of its clergy, John

1-14     Knox Presbyterian Church has had only three pastors since its

1-15     founding; Reverend Will King succeeded Reverend Bryant and led the

1-16     congregation for many years until the church's current minister,

1-17     Dr. Murray Richey, began his tenure in 1980; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, the church has played

1-19     an active role in its community; it has proudly sponsored a boy

1-20     scout troop since September 1947, and its stalwart commitment has

1-21     helped that group become the oldest continuous troop in its

1-22     district; and

1-23           WHEREAS, For 50 years, John Knox Presbyterian Church has

1-24     provided outstanding spiritual leadership and moral guidance to its

 2-1     congregation; the church stands today as a tribute to the hard work

 2-2     of its members, past and present, who have devoted their time,

 2-3     energy, and resources to ensure its continued existence as a house

 2-4     of God; now, therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor John Knox

 2-6     Presbyterian Church on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and

 2-7     commend the Reverend Dr. Murray Richey and his congregation for the

 2-8     many significant contributions they have made to the betterment of

 2-9     their community; and, be it further

2-10           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-11     prepared for John Knox Presbyterian Church as an expression of high

2-12     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                      Palmer

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 646 was adopted by the House on April

         18, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House