79S11114 BJM-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.R. No. 363



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The members and friends of St. Mary's Our Lady of 
Lourdes Catholic Church in Caldwell are celebrating the church's 
110th anniversary and the dedication of a Texas State Historical 
Marker on July 31, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, The history of this treasured institution dates back 
to the early 1890s, when Father Charles Kacer traveled from 
Frenstat to conduct a monthly mass in Caldwell; the first recorded 
service was held in August 1893, with the Reverend Jacob Lauth 
presiding, and the congregation's first permanent structure, a 
small frame building, was erected in 1895 and dedicated to the 
Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes; and
	WHEREAS, The Galveston hurricane of 1900 destroyed the church 
and all its contents, with the exception of a painting of Our Lady 
of Lourdes; the church was rebuilt in 1901, and it served its 
parishioners well for more than 80 years; in 1984 a new facility was 
constructed and a bell tower was added in 1997; the painting of Our 
Lady of Lourdes has been restored and it remains on view in the 
church; and
	WHEREAS, Today, members benefit from the leadership of Father 
Dimitrij Colankin, who has ably served the church for the past 
decade, following in the tradition of the other dedicated religious 
leaders whose vision and spiritual guidance have enhanced the lives 
of countless area Catholics over the past century; and
	WHEREAS, For 110 years, St. Mary's Our Lady of Lourdes 
Catholic Church has served as a source of strength and inspiration 
to those who have worshiped there, and the church stands as a 
tribute to the dedication and deep commitment of its members, past 
and present, who have devoted their time, prayers, and financial 
resources to ensure its continued existence; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby recognize St. Mary's Our 
Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on the occasion of its 110th 
anniversary and the dedication of a Texas State Historical Marker 
and extend to all of its members sincere best wishes for the future; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.