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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 94

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the First Baptist Church of Belton on the splendid 
occasion of its 150th anniversary, which is being celebrated 
in August, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, In 1853, three years after the City of Belton 
was founded, eight people organized the First Baptist Church 
of Belton to serve the spiritual needs of the community; and

	WHEREAS, The Civil War and the period of violence and 
lawlessness of Reconstruction devastated Belton and the First 
Baptist Church, and there were no regular services; the church 
survived, however, and it later endured the Depression and a 
major fire, which destroyed the building in 1947; and

	WHEREAS, Pastor Martin Van Buren Smith began the statewide 
publication Texas Baptist Standard in 1892, and it was followed 
by the Junior Quarterly, the first statewide publication for 
Baptist young people; and

	WHEREAS, During World War II, the church began to grow 
again and became the religious focal point for Camp Hood, now 
Fort Hood, and during the time of civil unrest, the church voted 
in 1963 for integration of its congregation; and

	WHEREAS, In its 150-year history, the church has 
grown from the original eight members to a membership of over 
2,800; for over 30 years, the church has performed its God and 
Country Concert to honor America, an event attended by thousands 
every 4th of July; and

	WHEREAS, With its strong commitment to missionary work, 
locally as well as internationally, from its prison ministry to 
building churches in other countries, the church continues to be 
a source of strength for its members during times of hardship and 
bereavement; and

	WHEREAS, Under the guidance and wise stewardship of its 
pastors and the outstanding leadership of its current pastor, 
Andy Davis, the church has ministered faithfully to the spiritual 
needs of countless Christians; and

	WHEREAS, The celebration of its 150th anniversary is an 
expression of the church's enduring commitment to its holy mission
and its dedication to tradition and unity among Christians; now, 
therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend congratulations
to the First Baptist Church of Belton on the joyous occasion of 
its 150th anniversary celebration; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the church as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                          Fraser




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 22, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate