H.R. No. 11 


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For 50 years the Reverend Byrd Lacey, Jr., of Houston has faithfully served the religious community of Texas, and his record of excellence is truly worthy of special recognition; and WHEREAS, One of 12 children born to Byrd Lacey, Sr., and Elizabeth Swearengin Lacey in Chapel Hill, Reverend Lacey graduated from C. H. Hogan High School and received his first religious training at his home congregation, Providence Missionary Baptist Church; ordained as a minister in 1958 at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, this respected gentleman earned a degree in theology from Union Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate in divinity studies from the Inter-Baptist Theological Center; and WHEREAS, Reverend Lacey has devoted himself to an array of Lone Star congregations throughout his exemplary five-decade tenure as a minister, including churches in Houston, El Campo, Conroe, and Huntsville; for the past 20 years, he has led Houston's Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, serving with great distinction; and WHEREAS, Presently officiating under Moderator M. L. Jackson as dean of the South Texas District Missionary Baptist Association and a former keynote speaker at the National Baptist Missionary Association of America, Reverend Lacey has received a host of accolades including his current church's Humanitarian and Leadership Award; in addition, he was recognized as a leader in Christian education by the National Baptist Sunday Church School and Baptist Training Union of the National Baptist Publishing Board, acknowledged for his community service by the National Women of Achievement, and honored as one of Houston's outstanding ministers by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Not only has Reverend Lacey proven to be a pillar of his community, but he is also a dedicated family man; married to the former Marilyn Fields, the pair have four children and nine grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man of spiritual depth and devotion, Reverend Lacey has encouraged and brought hope to many; his guidance and faith have long been a shining light in the community and have served as an inspiration for countless individuals; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby honor the Reverend Byrd Lacey, Jr., for his half-century of religious service and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and fulfillment; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Reverend Lacey as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Dutton ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 11 was adopted by the House on May 11, 2004, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House