H.R. No. 174



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Reverend Ben Clinton Smith of Quinlan is marking 
his 50th year in the ministry and is retiring from a notable career 
of dedicated service to congregations in a number of Texas and 
Louisiana towns; and
	WHEREAS, Born on August 30, 1926, near Hemphill, in the Big 
Thicket of East Texas, "Brother Ben" grew up in a farm family; he 
joined the United States Army in 1945, serving his country at the 
end of World War II, and then again when he was called to duty in the 
Korean War; and
	WHEREAS, After attending the University of Corpus Christi for 
a year, he transferred to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall for 
three years, and then completed his seminary requirements through 
extension courses after starting his ministry; and
	WHEREAS, Reverend Smith's initial pastorate was on a 
part-time basis at a Monkstown church in Fannin County, and the 
dedicated preacher drove 150 miles from Marshall to fulfill his 
responsibilities; he headed several congregations in Louisiana 
before returning to Texas in 1956 to serve as the spiritual leader 
of Geneva Baptist, First Baptist in Roxton, and North Baptist in 
Greenville, where he remained until 1975; he then ministered to the 
members of Oak Crest Baptist, First Baptist in Campbell, and 
Quinlan Faith Baptist Church, from which he retired for the first 
time in 1988; over the course of the next 15 years, while serving 
interim pastorates, Reverend Smith retired for a second time, but 
in January 2003 he accepted the interim pastorate of the First 
Baptist Church of Quinlan, from which he is now retiring; and
	WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Reverend Smith enjoys a warm 
and rewarding home life with his wife, Laura, his 4 children, and 
his 10 grandchildren; among his interests are archaeology, relic 
hunting, and fishing, and this humble gentleman enthusiastically 
describes his wealth in family and friendships; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout a career devoted to his fellowman, 
Reverend Smith has touched the lives of many people, and he has 
earned the admiration of all who know him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby recognize the Reverend Ben 
Clinton Smith on his retirement from an impressive 50-year career 
in the ministry and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Reverend Smith as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                           Flynn

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 174 was adopted by the House on August 
22, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House