SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 257

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pleasure in honoring the Reverend Norman L. Robinson on the occasion of his 92nd birthday; and

WHEREAS, Norman Robinson was born February 23, 1921; he received his pastoral education at the Southern Bible Institute of Dallas, from which he graduated in 1962; he has ministered at Mount Olive Baptist Church of Arlington since 1966; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, he served his country courageously, and it was while fighting in the jungles of Guadalcanal that he accepted his faith; after the war, he was hired by the Dallas Housing Authority, where he worked from 1946 until he retired in 1976; and

WHEREAS, During that time, this loving father and husband was summoned to the ministry; in 1962, he began his pastoral service at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie and later served at Lucille Baptist Church in Palmer; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Reverend Robinson met his destiny when he became pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church of Arlington; at the time, it was a tiny congregation of just 17 faithful, and under his leadership, the congregation has grown to number more than 10,000, with 35 ministers and 100 deacons; and

WHEREAS, For his community leadership, Senior Pastor Robinson has received keys to the cities of Grand Prairie and Arlington and has been honored with letters of commendation from United States Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton; and

WHEREAS, A steadfast man of the cloth, Reverend Robinson has served his congregations for more than 50 years, during which time he has enjoyed the support of his loving wife, Pearl, and their three daughters; this man of spiritual depth and devotion is highly deserving of praise for his years of service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize the Reverend Norman L. Robinson on the grand occasion of his 92nd birthday and honor him for his decades of commitment to the ministry; and, be it further

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

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 20, 2013.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate