78R4514 MDM-D

By:  Jones of Dallas                                              H.R. No. 209



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The year 2002 marked the 50th anniversary of the 
Good Street Baptist Church child-care ministry in Dallas; and
	WHEREAS, Developed under the pastorship of Dr. C. A. W. 
Clark, the child-care program owes much to the dedicated efforts of 
an advisory committee, which was chaired by Dr. B. E. Dade and 
included trustee Mary E. Edwards, deacons I. H. Clayborn, W. H. 
Jefferson, Preston Martin, and Nathaniel Spigner, and Brother C. R. 
Robinson; and
	WHEREAS, Willene Dade was appointed a resource person for the 
ambitious initiative, and her experience in early childhood 
education ensured that issues regarding safety, nutrition, and 
instructional and recreational equipment were adequately 
addressed; among her most beneficial contributions was 
coordinating weekly training sessions for teachers and support 
personnel, some of whom went on to pursue careers as early childhood 
specialists; and
	WHEREAS, In 1952, the child-care center came to fruition at 
the church's Watson Memorial Mission at 3126 Hatcher Street in 
South Dallas; the program thrived under the dynamic leadership of 
Mrs. Edwards, a former teacher who served as director during the 
center's first decade and who set a standard of excellence that has 
continued unbroken for half a century; the outstanding supervisors 
who have succeeded Mrs. Edwards have been Verna Raven, Carolyn 
Madere, LaBelle Jones, and the present director, Gwendolyn Sneed, 
who has skillfully fostered an enriching environment for the 200 
children currently enrolled; and
	WHEREAS, For half a century, the Good Street Baptist Church 
child-care center has lovingly provided for the physical and 
spiritual needs of children from its congregation and the greater 
community, and its successful efforts in this regard have truly 
enhanced the quality of life for countless Dallas youngsters and 
their families; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate all those associated with the Good 
Street Baptist Church child-care center on the 50th anniversary of 
its founding and extend to them best wishes for continued success; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Good Street Baptist Church child-care ministry 
team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 
Representatives.