1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 280
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to
 1-4     recognize Dr. Thomas F. Freeman for his 50 years of ministerial
 1-5     dedication to the congregation of Mount Horem Baptist Church; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, In preparing himself for this spiritual journey,
 1-7     Dr. Freeman pursued studies at Virginia Union University,
 1-8     Andover Newton Theological School, Harvard University,
 1-9     Boston University, the University of Chicago, the University
1-10     of Vienna, and the University of Liberia; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Accepting his first position as Associate Minister
1-12     at Concord Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1940, this
1-13     dynamic individual became minister at Pleasant Street Baptist
1-14     Church in Westerly, Rhode Island, one year later; his duties
1-15     led him down many paths before he found his home at Mount Horem
1-16     Baptist Church in 1951; and
1-17           WHEREAS, His outstanding pastoral and academic background
1-18     reflects his extensive preparation for the work he does; a great
1-19     orator with a prodigious following, Dr. Freeman is frequently
1-20     invited to address convocations, baccalaureate and commencement
1-21     services, business and civic functions, church assemblies, and
1-22     conferences as the keynote speaker; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, An inspirational and accomplished theologian, he
 2-2     is a member of an exceptional number of diverse organizations,
 2-3     including the American Philosophical Association, the National
 2-4     Association of University Chaplains, the National Baptist
 2-5     Convention, the American Academy of Science, the Southern
 2-6     Speech Association, and the Association of Honor Societies; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, In recognition of his excellent abilities, the
 2-8     highly regarded minister has been named Citizen of the Year,
 2-9     Citizen of the Week, Shadyvale Man of the Hour, and Texas Southern
2-10     University's Faculty Member of the Year; his awards include the
2-11     American Performance Theatre Award, the Kappa Gamma Chi Debate
2-12     Key, Houston Citizen's Distinguished World Wide Appreciation
2-13     Award, and the Houston Urban League's Margaret Ross Barnett
2-14     Leadership Award; and
2-15           WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Dr. Freeman has been
2-16     supported by his beloved wife, Clarice Estell, his children,
2-17     Thomas F., Jr., Carter Evan, and Carlotta Vanessa, and his
2-18     four grandchildren, and he has been truly blessed; and
2-19           WHEREAS, Devoted to his congregation and his profession,
2-20     Dr. Freeman has made lasting impressions on all who are fortunate
2-21     to know him, and they are grateful for the positive influence he
2-22     has had in their lives; now, therefore, be it
2-23           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-24     77th Legislature, hereby join the members of Mount Horem
 3-1     Baptist Church in commending Dr. Thomas F. Freeman for his
 3-2     50 years of fervent service to his church, his fellowman, and
 3-3     his community and extend best wishes for the future; and, be it
 3-4     further
 3-5           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him
 3-6     as an expression of esteem and high regard from the Texas Senate.
 3-7                                                                Gallegos
 3-8                                  ______________________________________
 3-9                                          President of the Senate
3-10                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-11                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-12                                  on February 19, 2001.
3-13                                  ______________________________________
3-14                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-15                                  ______________________________________
3-16                                           Member, Texas Senate