By McClendon H.R. No. 1266 75R17103 SAJ-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, In 1996, members of St. Stephen Baptist Church in 1-2 San Antonio celebrated 50 years of faithful service to the 1-3 spiritual needs of their community, and this remarkable milestone 1-4 is indeed worthy of praise and recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, With the vision and direction of the Reverends 1-6 Belvin B. Stewart, J. Henry Hardeman, and W. D. Rector, the church 1-7 was founded in 1946 by seven charter members, and its first 1-8 permanent house of worship was built the following year; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Inspired leadership and an active membership have 1-10 helped St. Stephen Baptist Church to flourish over time and since 1-11 its founding, the church has played a vital role in the San Antonio 1-12 community; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Under the guidance of the church's current pastor, 1-14 the Reverend Edward L. Hayes, members participate in numerous 1-15 community projects, including a food ministry, to the benefit of 1-16 families in need; in addition, the church has organized the L. C. 1-17 Griffin Choir, in tribute to a beloved late pastor who served from 1-18 1970 to 1989, and the choir's lovely songs of praise have helped to 1-19 make the days brighter for many people; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, St. Stephen Baptist 1-21 Church has provided outstanding spiritual leadership and moral 1-22 guidance to its congregation; the church stands today as a tribute 1-23 to the dedication and hard work of its members, past and present, 1-24 who have devoted their time, energy, and resources to ensure its 2-1 continued existence as a house of God; now, therefore, be it 2-2 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th 2-3 Texas Legislature hereby honor St. Stephen Baptist Church on the 2-4 occasion of its 50th anniversary and commend the Reverend Edward L. 2-5 Hayes and his congregation for the many significant contributions 2-6 they have made to the betterment of their community; and, be it 2-7 further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for St. Stephen Baptist Church as an expression of high 2-10 regard by the Texas House of Representatives.