78R13147 MW-D

By:  Dukes                                                        H.R. No. 891



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church of Austin is marking a 
significant milestone on April 27, 2003, when congregants celebrate 
the church's 136th anniversary; and
	WHEREAS, The First Baptist Church has a rich history that 
began in the 1800s, when area slaves would gather in the rear 
seating section of the white church; in 1864, church leaders 
decided to institute separate worship services for the slaves, and 
a short time later the Reverend Jacob Fontaine and 13 charter 
members organized this revered house of prayer, the first 
African-American Baptist church in Austin; and
	WHEREAS, Acquiring its first building in 1873, the church 
erected a second structure between 1895 and 1900 at the corner of 
14th Street and Red River, where the congregation worshiped for 
more than 50 years; after moving to its third location in November 
of 1952, the First Baptist Church relocated to the present location 
on Heflin Lane in December 1966; and
	WHEREAS, Continuing its proud legacy of faith and good works, 
the First Baptist Church has provided for the spiritual needs of its 
congregation by promoting schools, youth organizations, missions, 
leadership, stewardship, and family education; and
	WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the Reverend H. L. McGee, 
the First Baptist Church continues to serve the citizens of Austin, 
and this distinguished institution truly deserves special 
legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the First Baptist Church on its 136th 
anniversary and extend warmest best wishes to the spiritual leaders 
and worshipers for a joyous and memorable celebration; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the congregants of the First Baptist Church of Austin 
as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 
Representatives.