1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 243
 1-3           WHEREAS, Reverend M. O. Gerald, Sr., will celebrate his three
 1-4     years of outstanding service to the congregation of Community First
 1-5     Baptist Church of Dallas, and the Senate of the State of Texas is
 1-6     proud to recognize him; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, Born December 11, 1951, M. O. is the son of the
 1-8     late Reverend Doctor C. H. and Clarice Gerald; Reverend Gerald
 1-9     earned a diploma of biblical studies from the Southern Bible
1-10     Institute in 1975 and a bachelor of arts in religion and
1-11     psychology in 1979; he also holds an honorary doctorate; and
1-12           WHEREAS, Licensed in May of 1972, Reverend Gerald was
1-13     ordained in January, 1974; he married Mary Janice McMillan, and
1-14     they have a warm and supportive relationship; Mary Janice and
1-15     M. O. were blessed with five children:  Steven, Artura, Brodrick,
1-16     Mickey, Jr., and Derric; and
1-17           WHEREAS, A gifted preacher, M. O. Gerald, Sr., has
1-18     successfully pastored five churches in his career and been
1-19     co-pastor of two; at each of the churches where he has served,
1-20     he has instituted new programs and improved existing ones; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Reverend Gerald has made many contributions during
 2-1     his career; he has been Parliamentarian of the National Missionary
 2-2     Baptist Convention of America, has organized the TULSA Together
 2-3     Convention, and has served as First Vice-Moderator of the
 2-4     Progressive Creek District Congress; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, Since he has been their spiritual guide, this
 2-6     distinguished pastor has served the congregation of his present
 2-7     church with devotion and distinction; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, The church family has gained recognition for
 2-9     its ministry, and it actively works on training service; and
2-10           WHEREAS, Inspirational and dedicated to helping others,
2-11     this beloved pastor has devoted his time and energy unselfishly
2-12     to the members of his church and the residents of Dallas; and
2-13           WHEREAS, A man of spiritual depth and devotion,
2-14     Reverend Gerald has performed countless ceremonies and has
2-15     prayed for and counselled his church members during their
2-16     hardships and in times of bereavement; and
2-17           WHEREAS, An accomplished scholar and theologian,
2-18     Reverend Gerald has had a positive influence on the lives of
2-19     many Christians; now, therefore, be it
2-20           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-21     77th Legislature, hereby join the members of Community First
2-22     Baptist Church in commending Reverend M. O. Gerald, Sr., for his
2-23     fervent service to the church on his third pastoral anniversary;
 3-1     and, be it further
 3-2           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
 3-3     for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
 3-4                                                                    West
 3-5                                  ______________________________________
 3-6                                          President of the Senate
 3-7                                       I hereby certify that the above
 3-8                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
 3-9                                  on February 15, 2001.
3-10                                  ______________________________________
3-11                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-12                                  ______________________________________
3-13                                           Member, Texas Senate