82R27957 JNC-D

By: Johnson H.R. No. 1837

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The members of the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their church's founding in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Organized in 1961 by 25 charter members, the church acquired its first facility at a site on South Boulevard and Jeffries Street; seeking to accommodate its growing membership, the congregation purchased property on Fourth Avenue, and the church took its present name; in 1963, during the civil rights movement, that building was destroyed by arson, but the structure was later replaced; the institution has continued to grow since that time, expanding to a new facility across the street in 1982 and adding a Family Life Center in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Along the way, the church has benefited from the dedicated efforts of a number of outstanding clergymen, including Brother Jerry Norris, who leads the congregation today with the assistance of his wife, Sister Johnnie Norris; and

WHEREAS, United by their shared faith and strong traditions, the members of this notable house of worship sponsor a variety of commendable programs that offer fellowship as well as help to those in need; in addition to caring for the homeless, the congregation has supported missionaries, ministerial students, and the Adopt-a-School program; and

WHEREAS, Countless South Dallas residents have looked to the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ for spiritual enrichment and guidance through the years, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the church at this special time in its rich history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ on the 50th anniversary of its founding and extend to its members sincere best wishes for the future; 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.