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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Bethel |
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Baptist Church in Whitewright, and members are celebrating this |
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significant milestone on April 26; and |
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WHEREAS, Officially organized in 1884, Bethel Baptist Church |
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was first led by Brother Bob Thomas, who shepherded the original 37 |
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members; in 1897, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Autrey deeded to the |
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congregation's leadership the land on which the church still stands |
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today, and the first building was dedicated on August 15 of that |
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year; and |
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WHEREAS, A new facility was constructed in 1937, the |
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baptistery was completed in 1949, and an educational building was |
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added in 2002; after a tornado destroyed the sanctuary in 2006, a |
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new one was erected the following year, and the congregation will |
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celebrate its dedication in conjunction with this milestone |
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anniversary; and |
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WHEREAS, For 125 years, Bethel Baptist Church has served as a |
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source of strength and guidance to those who have worshiped there, |
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and the church stands as a tribute to the faith and dedication of |
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its members, both past and present, who have devoted their time, |
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prayers, and resources to ensure its continued existence; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Bethel Baptist Church on its 125th |
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anniversary and extend to the congregation sincere best wishes for |
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the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |