H.R. No. 719



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Houston is 
commemorating its 140th anniversary on March 20, 2005, and the 
event promises to be a memorable day filled with prayer, 
reflection, and celebration among congregants dressed in period 
clothing from the era of the church's founding; and
	WHEREAS, This treasured institution dates back to March 10, 
1865, when a group of citizens from the Piney Point community 
organized the congregation under the leadership of the Reverend Max 
Austin, Sr., and Hannah Rasmus; and
	WHEREAS, Initially built on a one-acre tract of land 
purchased for $1.50, the church has since moved and undergone 
several expansion and renovation projects, adding buildings and 
land to keep pace with the needs of its growing membership; today, 
its physical plant includes the Pilgrim Rest Activity Center and 
the J. B. Alford Memorial Education  Building; and
	WHEREAS, Through the years, the church has benefited from the 
vision and guidance of a number of dedicated pastors, including the 
Reverend James Ellis Blake, who has ably guided the church through 
an exciting period of progress and development since 2002; and
	WHEREAS, After 140 years of service and fellowship, Pilgrim 
Rest remains 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 hereby honor Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church on 
the joyous occasion of its 140th anniversary and extend to its 
members heartfelt 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.

                                                                        Hochberg

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 719 was adopted by the House on March 
15, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House