78R11665 MW-D

By:  Hamilton                                                     H.R. No. 948



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Orange 
are marking a significant milestone when they commemorate the 125th 
anniversary of their historic church; and
	WHEREAS, In March 1878, area citizens voiced a need for a 
Presbyterian church in Orange, and on April 6, 1878, Dr. W. H. 
Vernor and Dr. R. H. Byers and a group of charter members petitioned 
the presbytery for the establishment of a new church; and
	WHEREAS, The first small church building was dedicated on 
July 1, 1883; a new edifice, striking for its one-of-a-kind dome 
adorned with 16 distinct Christian symbols, was built in 1908 under 
the leadership of the Reverend Ewell Travis Drake and the 
supervision  of Frances Ann Lutcher; and
	WHEREAS, Home to the first church radio station, the First 
Presbyterian Church began airing Sunday services in the 1920s; over 
the years, the church has been a source of many good works, 
including support for foreign ministries in Korea and educational 
ministries in Taishung, Taiwan; and
	WHEREAS, Today, the Reverend Sam Knight ably leads the 
congregation of approximately 400 members, and the First 
Presbyterian Church continues to meet the spiritual needs of people 
in Orange and beyond; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the First Presbyterian Church of Orange on 
its 125th anniversary and extend to its congregation warmest best 
wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the First Presbyterian Church of Orange as an 
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.