By Palmer H.R. No. 646 75R11325 SAJ-D 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.