1-1                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 607
 1-2           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to
 1-3     recognize Matagorda United Methodist Church of Matagorda, Texas,
 1-4     on the grand occasion of its 160th anniversary, which is being
 1-5     celebrated April 25, 1999; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Matagorda United Methodist Church has its
 1-7     roots in the Mississippi Conference which organized the Rutersville
 1-8     District of Texas with seven churches in December of 1839; the date
 1-9     of construction for the first Matagorda Methodist Church building
1-10     is unknown, but an edifice was in existence in 1851 and was later
1-11     destroyed in "The Great Storm of 1854"; and
1-12           WHEREAS, After the storm, services were held in various
1-13     locations until the present church building was erected in 1892
1-14     by Mr. Charles Baker; in 1893, a Sunday school was organized, and
1-15     an addition to the church was constructed in 1930 to house Sunday
1-16     school rooms and a kitchen; in 1991, Moberley Fellowship Hall was
1-17     added to provide the church with additional space for community
1-18     gatherings; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Over the years, the Matagorda United Methodist
1-20     Church has ministered faithfully to the spiritual needs of
1-21     innumerable Christians; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Due to the guidance and wise stewardship of its
1-23     pastors, and the outstanding leadership of its current pastor, the
1-24     Reverend Dorthea K. Dumas, the church has continued to grow and to
 2-1     undertake many worthy projects within the community; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, The church has become an invaluable source of
 2-3     strength for its members during their hardships and in times of
 2-4     bereavement; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, The celebration of its 160th anniversary is an
 2-6     expression of the church's enduring commitment to its holy
 2-7     mission and its dedication to tradition and unity among Christians;
 2-8     now, therefore, be it
 2-9           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-10     76th Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the clergy and
2-11     members of Matagorda United Methodist Church on the jubilant
2-12     occasion of its 160th anniversary; and, be it further
2-13           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
2-14     church as a token of esteem from the Texas Senate.
2-15                                                              Armbrister
2-16                                  ______________________________________
2-17                                          President of the Senate
2-18                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-19                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-20                                  on April 12, 1999.
2-21                                  ______________________________________
2-22                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-23                                  ______________________________________
2-24                                           Member, Texas Senate