SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 595

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Dr. Gerald Mann, who is retiring after 26 years of 
outstanding service as senior pastor of Riverbend Baptist Church 
in Austin; and

	WHEREAS, Well known throughout our state and nation as a 
minister, humorist, writer, and public speaker, Dr. Gerald Mann 
has had an impact on the lives of countless Christians and has 
long been a source of inspiration and joy to his congregation and 
his many followers; and

	WHEREAS, A native of West Columbia, Texas, Dr. Mann holds a 
bachelor's degree in religion from the University of Corpus Christi;
he earned a master's degree in theology and a doctoral degree in 
philosophy from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and

	WHEREAS, Upon completing his education, Dr. Mann served as 
pastor of the First Baptist Church in Hereford; he then moved to 
Austin to minister at the University Baptist Church, and he has 
called Austin his home ever since; and

	WHEREAS, Soon recognized for his talent, vitality, and 
quick wit, Dr. Mann was called to fulfill a role that would earn 
him statewide admiration--he was named chaplain of the
Texas Legislature, where his distinctive opening one-line 
"zinger" prayers earned him a devoted following of legislators 
and Capitol visitors alike; and

	WHEREAS, With a dream, a purpose, and 60 determined members,
Dr. Mann established the Riverbend Baptist Church in 1979; 
through the years, the congregation grew rapidly, and today, more 
than 8,000 people regularly attend the church to hear his sermons 
every week; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Mann's services have been televised locally, and
in recognition of his unique approach to making faith relevant to 
everyday life, the Odyssey Network broadcasts "Real Life with
Dr. Gerald Mann" nationwide, reaching approximately 80 million 
homes; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Mann is the author of a number of popular 
books, including The Seven Deadly Virtues, Common Sense Religion, 
and When One Day at a Time is Too Long, and has been cited by such 
respected news sources as Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Mann is famous as a voice for common sense 
Christianity and is much beloved and greatly admired by citizens 
across our state and nation; his presence as senior pastor of 
Riverbend Baptist Church will be greatly missed by all who attend its
services and by his colleagues in the ministry; now, therefore, 
be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Gerald Mann for his many 
years of service to his congregation and to the State of Texas
and extend to him best wishes for the retirement years ahead; 
and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                      Barrientos




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 12, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate