SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 651

WHEREAS, In 1967, Dr. and Mrs. Billy James Pruitt followed their calling and established the Progressive Friendship Baptist Church with 12 founding members in their home; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pruitt served as pastor of the church, and due to his and Mrs. Pruitt's sacrifice and their steadfast dedication, the church membership continued to grow, and all associated with the church received many blessings; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1969, the church acquired the property located at 2723 South Marsalis Avenue in Dallas, and when the church moved to the Marsalis Avenue location, its name was officially changed to Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church; in March of 1979, the Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church family constructed a new sanctuary next to its original location; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Dr. Pruitt's unquestionable faith in God was the hallmark of his ministry and he remained committed to his beliefs until his death in November of 1997; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Terry White was installed as pastor of the Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church in September of 1998, and due to his astute leadership, the church has touched the lives of many, and its membership has grown from 30 to 300; and

WHEREAS, Pastor White has been at the helm of several remodeling projects at the sanctuary, including the renovation of the exquisite choir stand, and in order for the church to better serve the community, Pastor White successfully launched a Capital Improvement Campaign to support the building of a new Family Ministry Center; and

WHEREAS, The new Family Ministry Center will be utilized to educate and enrich the lives of the members of the church's Youth Ministry, the parishioners, and members of the community; the Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church family is hosting an Entrance Celebration Service in honor of its new Family Ministry Center on April 22, 2007; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church family on its new Family Ministry Center and extend best wishes to all for a rewarding future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of the Marsalis Avenue Baptist Church. West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate