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