1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1012 1-3 WHEREAS, The year 1997 marks an important milestone for the 1-4 Christian community of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in 1-5 Laredo, Texas, as it marks the parish's 100th year of existence; and 1-6 WHEREAS, In March, 1897, several members of the Catholic 1-7 community approached Bishop Peter M. Verdaguer, Vicar Apostolic of 1-8 the Brownsville Vicariate, requesting that a second Catholic Church 1-9 be constructed to care for the needs of the English-speaking people 1-10 of Laredo; and 1-11 WHEREAS, After receiving approval from Bishop Verdaguer, 1-12 construction was begun under the direction of Father Beautgen and 1-13 on October 7, 1897, Bishop Verdaguer blessed the building's 1-14 cornerstone; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Because of ill health, Father Beautgen was unable 1-16 to serve as pastor, and the project was turned over to 1-17 Father Edward Russell Chase, who saw the construction to its 1-18 completion and became the parish's first pastor; and 1-19 WHEREAS, On January 9, 1898, Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic 1-20 Church officially opened and was dedicated on January 13; and 1-21 WHEREAS, In 1994, through the efforts of its pastor, 1-22 Father Donald Critchlow, the Texas Historical Commission recognized 1-23 the historical contributions made by the parish by awarding the 2-1 church a historical marker designating Saint Peter the Apostle 2-2 Catholic Church an official state historical site; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Throughout the church's 100 years of existence, in 2-4 the midst of its joys and tribulations, disappointments and 2-5 triumphs, the force behind its survival has been the courage of its 2-6 parishioners, who with love and devotion have dedicated themselves 2-7 to the preservation of one of Laredo's most important religious and 2-8 historical treasures; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church stands today 2-10 as a stirring testament to the many hands and hearts that have 2-11 endeavored to keep it strong through the past century, and it is 2-12 truly deserving of praise and recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-14 75th Legislature, hereby honor Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic 2-15 Church in Laredo, Texas, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary 2-16 and extend to its pastor, Father Donald Critchlow, and its 2-17 parishioners sincere best wishes for continued success, blessings, 2-18 and happiness in the years to come; and, be it further 2-19 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared 2-20 for Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church as an expression of the 2-21 highest regard of the Texas Senate. 2-22 Zaffirini 2-23 ______________________________________ 2-24 President of the Senate 2-25 I hereby certify that the above 2-26 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-27 on June 2, 1997. 2-28 ______________________________________ 3-1 Secretary of the Senate 3-2 ______________________________________ 3-3 Member, Texas Senate