By Ramsay                                            H.C.R. No. 178
         76R10790 JBR-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, This year 1999 marks a special occasion for the
 1-2     congregation of the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, as the
 1-3     members will celebrate that institution's 150 years of faithful
 1-4     service to the spiritual needs of their community; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Organized on October 5, 1849, by a small band of
 1-6     East Texas pioneers, this enduring institution was founded as the
 1-7     New Liberty Baptist Church, and its members first worshiped in a
 1-8     log cabin on a site that was located near the present-day Mount
 1-9     Vernon courthouse; and
1-10           WHEREAS, In 1870, the church became known as the Mount Vernon
1-11     Baptist Church, and through the years it relocated a number of
1-12     times to house its ever-growing congregation; and
1-13           WHEREAS, For 150 years, the church has benefited greatly from
1-14     the vision and guidance of its esteemed clergy, including that of
1-15     its current pastor, Brother Pepper Puryear, who has served the
1-16     congregation since January 1993; and
1-17           WHEREAS, Throughout its proud history, the First Baptist
1-18     Church has provided spiritual support and moral guidance to
1-19     countless individuals; the church stands today as a tribute to the
1-20     dedication and hard work of its members, past and present, who have
1-21     devoted their time, energy, and resources to ensure its continued
1-22     existence as a house of God; now, therefore, be it
1-23           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
1-24     hereby recognize the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon on the
 2-1     occasion of its 150th anniversary and commend Brother Pepper
 2-2     Puryear and the members of his congregation for the many
 2-3     significant contributions they have made to the betterment of their
 2-4     community; and, be it further
 2-5           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-6     prepared for the First Baptist Church as an expression of high
 2-7     regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.