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