79S20306 MMS-D



By:  Giddings                                                     H.R. No. 172







R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The Church of the Living God, The Pillar and Ground 

of the Truth, Dallas Temple No. 1, is celebrating its 75th 

anniversary in August 2005; and

	WHEREAS, Organized on August 30, 1930, the congregation chose 

Elder Jefferson A. Taylor as its first pastor; later that year the 

church became the first in Dallas to be affiliated with the National 

Assembly of The Church of the Living God, The Pillar and Ground of 

the Truth, Inc., of Muskogee, Oklahoma; and

	WHEREAS, After meeting for a time on State Street, the church 

relocated to a site at Munger and Washington Avenues; when that 

property was sold to make way for the new Central Expressway, the 

church moved to 3714 Munger Avenue; in 1955 the congregation 

relocated yet again, to 3100 Metropolitan Avenue, and since 1983 it 

has met at 2610 East Ledbetter Drive in Oak Cliff; and

	WHEREAS, Elder Taylor served the church as pastor through 

1931; during the remainder of that decade, the congregation was led 

by Bishop A. B. Williams and by Elders H. E. Henderson and A. R. 

Johnson, the latter two holding the office of interim pastor; Elder 

J. A. Artis served as pastor from 1940 to 1946, and Bishop Williams 

returned to guide the church from 1946 to 1973; and

	WHEREAS, For the past 32 years, Bishop Lonnie Beasley, Sr., 

has shepherded The Church of the Living God with tireless devotion, 

and his exceptional vision and leadership have contributed 

immeasurably to the vigor that the church has enjoyed over the past 

three decades; this revered pastor, who has spent a total of 53 

years in the ministry, is now stepping down to enjoy a well-deserved 

retirement, and a celebration of his distinguished service is being 

held in conjunction with the church's diamond jubilee; and

	WHEREAS, Assuming the pulpit of The Church of the Living God 

is Bishop Charles C. Junior, who is moving to Dallas from the church 

in Los Angeles, California, and who currently serves as vice 

president of the National Assembly of The Church of the Living God, 

The Pillar and Ground of the Truth; and

	WHEREAS, Even as congregants pause to reflect on their rich 

history, they are laying ambitious plans for the future; envisioned 

are a new family life center and a host of ministries to the 

community, including day care and recreation programs, job training 

and placement services, and the provision of food and clothing to 

the homeless and those living in transition; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout the life of this venerable church, 

succeeding generations have continued to honor and build on the 

achievements of members who have gone before; sustained by a common 

purpose, warm fellowship, and inspired teaching, the congregants of 

The Church of the Living God have remained steadfast in their care 

for one another and their ministry to the world around them, and it 

is a pleasure to recognize the enduring commitment of this 

community of faith; now, therefore, be it

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

Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 2005, hereby honor The Church of 

the Living God, The Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Dallas Temple 

No. 1, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, and extend to all 

those associated with the church sincere best wishes for a 

memorable celebration; 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.