79S20408 MDM-D



By:  Hopson                                                       H.R. No. 132







R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The First United Methodist Church of Carthage is 

commemorating its sesquicentennial on October 9, 2005, and the 

event promises to be a memorable one for all concerned, filled with 

prayer, reflection, and celebration; and

	WHEREAS, Organized in 1855, the congregation began  

constructing a frame building before the Civil War, and it was 

completed 11 years later by volunteers, following their return from 

the war; often shared with other denominations as well, the 

building was replaced with a larger facility on the same property in 

1902, and the new building served the congregation until 1942, when 

the present church home was completed; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout its rich history, First United Methodist 

Church has expanded its physical plant and offerings to keep pace 

with the changing needs of the community it serves; today, the 

church's active membership is led by Dr. Gary Fitzgerald and the 

Reverend Don Scott, and congregants may participate in several 

groups and activities, including United Methodist Men, United 

Methodist Women, Keenagers for retired and semiretired 

individuals, MaTCH for teenagers, and a club for children who are 

age 12 and younger; and

	WHEREAS, For 150 years, First United Methodist Church has 

remained a tribute to the commitment of its members, past and 

present, who have given generously of their time, energy, and 

financial resources to ensure its continued existence as a house of 

worship; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 

Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 150th 

anniversary of the founding of the First United Methodist Church of 

Carthage and extend to its clergy and members best wishes for a 

meaningful observance; 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.