1-1                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 945

        1-2           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas proudly recognizes

        1-3     Reverend Raphael C. Smith for his 25 years of loyal service as

        1-4     pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church of Austin; and

        1-5           WHEREAS, Called to Mount Olive as its fifth pastor,

        1-6     Reverend Smith has demonstrated his commitment to God and to his

        1-7     congregation through his many accomplishments; besides the

        1-8     initiation of a scholarship program and the Dorothy A. Griffin

        1-9     Endowment Fund to aid young adult members of his church, he

       1-10     instituted a children's church to allow church youth to enjoy a

       1-11     more meaningful worship service; and

       1-12           WHEREAS, Active in community affairs, Reverend Smith is a

       1-13     former member of the City of Austin Planning Commission; responsible

       1-14     for the founding of Austin InterFaith, he obtained funding for the

       1-15     Blackshear Heritage Heights Project; and

       1-16           WHEREAS, Over the last 25 years, Reverend Smith has ministered

       1-17     faithfully to the spiritual needs of innumerable Christians; and

       1-18           WHEREAS, Under Reverend Smith's outstanding leadership, the

       1-19     church has provided enlightenment, hope, and support to the Austin

       1-20     community; and

       1-21           WHEREAS, Inspirational and dedicated to helping others, this

       1-22     beloved pastor has devoted his time and energy unselfishly to the

       1-23     members of his church and the residents of Travis County; and

        2-1           WHEREAS, A man of spiritual depth and devotion, Reverend Smith

        2-2     has prayed for and counselled his church members during their

        2-3     hardships and in times of bereavement; and

        2-4           WHEREAS, Reverend Smith has had a positive influence on the

        2-5     lives of many Christians; now, therefore, be it

        2-6           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

        2-7     75th Legislature, hereby join the members of Mount Olive Baptist

        2-8     Church in commending Reverend Raphael C. Smith for his fervent

        2-9     service to his church, his fellowman, and his community; and, be

       2-10     it further

       2-11           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

       2-12     Reverend Smith as an expression of high regard from the

       2-13     Texas Senate.

       2-14                                                              Barrientos

       2-15                                  ______________________________________

       2-16                                          President of the Senate

       2-17                                       I hereby certify that the above

       2-18                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

       2-19                                  on May 30, 1997.

       2-20                                  ______________________________________

       2-21                                          Secretary of the Senate

       2-22                                  ______________________________________

       2-23                                           Member, Texas Senate