84R7692 MDM-D
 
  By: Dukes H.R. No. 400
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The members of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Austin are
  celebrating the 140th anniversary of their church's founding on
  February 15, 2015; and
         WHEREAS, Also known as Third Baptist Church, this venerable
  house of worship traces its history to February 1875, when the
  Reverend C. Ward and 18 charter members gathered in the home of
  Elisa Hawkins, and the congregation soon built a frame structure a
  few blocks away, at the corner of Catalpa and Curve Streets; and
         WHEREAS, Within its first decade, the church outgrew that
  initial building, and in 1885 the membership completed construction
  of a new home at East 10th and San Marcos Streets, the same location
  Ebenezer Baptist occupies today; the present Gothic-style
  limestone and brick sanctuary dates to the early 1950s, and the
  tower features the same bell that was used in the church's early
  years; and
         WHEREAS, Ebenezer Baptist Church has nurtured a rich
  tradition of musical excellence, due in large part to the efforts of
  Virgie Carrington-Dewitty, who served as director of music for more
  than a half-century; it was under her direction in 1938 that the
  Ebenezer choir became the first African American gospel group to be
  heard on a commercial radio program in Texas; and
         WHEREAS, Over the decades, Ebenezer Baptist Church has
  benefited from the dedicated efforts of a number of outstanding
  members of the clergy, including its current pastor, the Reverend
  Dr. Ricky Freeman, who has ably led the congregation since 2012; a
  centerpiece of the local community, the church offers a variety of
  commendable programs, including those focused on mission outreach
  and youth development, and its scholarship committee annually
  provides financial assistance to the congregation's college-bound
  members; moreover, the church formed the East Austin Economic
  Development Corporation in 1988, an initiative that has partnered
  with other organizations and businesses to revitalize underserved
  areas of the city; and
         WHEREAS, Countless Austin residents have looked to Ebenezer
  Baptist Church for spiritual guidance during its long history, and
  the congregation is indeed deserving of special recognition as it
  marks this special anniversary milestone; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the 140th anniversary of the
  founding of Ebenezer Baptist Church and extend to the church's
  congregants 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.