By Barrientos S.C.R. No. 76 75R11286 JHS-D CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The members of the First Baptist Church of Austin 1-2 will celebrate the 150th anniversary of their church this year, and 1-3 the Texas Legislature is proud to join in honoring this worthy 1-4 institution; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Established in 1847 by the Reverend Robert Hay 1-6 Taliaferro, First Baptist Church began with just seven members; 1-7 today, the church is the spiritual home for hundreds of individuals 1-8 committed to worshipping God and spreading His message; and 1-9 WHEREAS, The history of the church reflects the devotion of 1-10 the many congregants who have gathered together in the name of the 1-11 Lord; since its original incarnation in the old frame Capitol 1-12 building, the church has relocated several times due to fire, 1-13 rebuilding, and the steady growth of the congregation, yet the 1-14 enthusiasm and faithfulness of its members have never wavered; and 1-15 WHEREAS, First Baptist Church of Austin has long been a 1-16 leader in the promotion of social justice and equality of the 1-17 sexes; the integration of peoples of differing ethnicity and the 1-18 encouragement of women in organizations such as the Women's 1-19 Missionary Union and the Young Women's Association have been 1-20 essential elements of the church's proud heritage; and 1-21 WHEREAS, In addition to supporting such groups and 1-22 organizations as Boy Scout Troop 17, this vital institution has 1-23 funded missionary efforts in China, South America, Mexico, and 1-24 Africa and has assisted in the establishment of 18 Austin missions, 2-1 all of which have evolved into churches of long-standing community 2-2 service; and 2-3 WHEREAS, First Baptist Church of Austin has long been a 2-4 sanctuary for individuals from all walks of life, and its 2-5 remarkable legacy continues to inspire and encourage many residents 2-6 of the Capitol City; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-8 hereby commemorate the sesquicentennial of the First Baptist Church 2-9 of Austin and extend best wishes to the members of this venerable 2-10 institution on this momentous occasion; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-12 prepared for the congregation of First Baptist Church of Austin as 2-13 an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives 2-14 and Senate.