78R4691 MDM-D

By:  McClendon                                                    H.R. No. 148



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. E. Thurman Walker of San Antonio 
has been honored as an Outstanding Texan in the category of religion 
by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; and
	WHEREAS, The Outstanding Texan Award was created to honor 
individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to 
improving, developing, and enriching the lives of others; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Walker is an alumnus of Colorado College, where 
he received a bachelor's degree in accounting; he earned a master of 
divinity degree at ITC/Morehouse School of Religion and a doctor of 
ministry degree at United Theological Seminary; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Walker is only the third pastor to guide Antioch 
Missionary Baptist Church since its congregation was organized 65 
years ago; under his dynamic leadership, church membership has 
grown to approximately 3,000 individuals and the church budget has 
tripled; moreover, ministries now include a Christian academy and a 
senior care facility, and a $5 million capital campaign is underway 
to fund a family life education community center; and
	WHEREAS, This distinguished gentleman is highly respected 
for his contributions as a community leader as well; he founded 
Youth United Against Drugs and Gangs and the Community of Churches 
for Social Action, which advocates particularly in behalf of 
underrepresented community members; his civic involvement has also 
included chairing the city's Martin Luther King Commission, serving 
as honorary chair of the Black/Jewish Dialogue group, and working 
with the mayor's Crime Task Force; and
	WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Walker enjoys the support 
of his family, including his devoted wife, Jo Angelia, and their 
children, T. J. and Kimberly; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Walker has enhanced the quality of life in San 
Antonio in countless ways, and his eminent service is a source of 
inspiration to all who know him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate the Reverend Dr. E. Thurman Walker 
on his  receipt of an Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas 
Legislative Black Caucus and extend to him heartfelt best wishes 
for continued success and fulfillment; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. Walker as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.