78S40457 BJM-D

By:  Dutton                                                       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.