By Miller H.R. No. 1146 77R16687 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On July 22, 2001, the congregation of Selden Baptist 1-2 Church in Erath County will celebrate the church's 120th 1-3 anniversary; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Organized on July 20, 1881, in the Indian Creek 1-5 schoolhouse near Indian Creek Cemetery, the church's early members 1-6 included R. W. Rhea, E. M. Rhea, D. B. Rhea, J. J. Wyatt, J. M. 1-7 Cook, and S. J. Cagle, who attended a constitution meeting and 1-8 adopted the articles of faith of the Bosque River Baptist 1-9 Association; T. D. Cargill and R. W. Rhea served as the first 1-10 deacons; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The Reverend H. S. Hatchett was the first to pastor 1-12 the new congregation, and through the years, the church has been 1-13 blessed with a number of fine religious leaders; in 1953, J. B. 1-14 Ryals became the first full-time pastor, and since May 21, 2000, 1-15 the Reverend Peter G. Pharis has shared his wisdom and counsel as 1-16 minister; and 1-17 WHEREAS, In 1882, the church moved to Selden and held 1-18 services near Sims Creek; the next year its name was changed to 1-19 Sims Creek Baptist Church and the first Sunday school classes 1-20 began; in 1898, it became Selden Baptist Church and a new building 1-21 was completed, although it was not dedicated until 1901; the 1-22 following year, the Baptist Young People's Union was added to 1-23 regularly scheduled activities; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The church home in use today was dedicated in 1928, 2-1 wired for electricity in 1939, and enlarged in 1964 when Sunday 2-2 school rooms, a kitchen, office, and baptistry were added; prior to 2-3 that time, the practice was for individuals to be baptized either 2-4 in Sims Creek or in a stock tank; and 2-5 WHEREAS, For a century and two decades, Selden Baptist Church 2-6 members have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to bettering their 2-7 community through their church ministry, and their efforts in this 2-8 regard are truly worthy of special recognition; now, therefore, be 2-9 it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby congratulate the Reverend Peter G. Pharis and 2-12 the members of Selden Baptist Church on the occasion of the 120th 2-13 anniversary of this fine church and commend them for contributing 2-14 to the church's dynamic history of providing support and 2-15 inspiration to generations of Texans; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for Selden Baptist Church as an expression of high regard 2-18 by the Texas House of Representatives.