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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas G. Wilbanks, pastor of First |
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Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, retired on March 1, 2015, |
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concluding nearly a half-century of dedicated service to that |
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congregation; and |
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WHEREAS, A native of Texarkana, Thomas Wilbanks earned his |
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bachelor's degree from Trinity University in 1957; he went on to |
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complete his master of divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary |
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in 1960, and he later received a doctor of divinity from McCormick |
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Theological Seminary; and |
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WHEREAS, This esteemed clergyman joined First Presbyterian |
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in 1968, and under his skillful leadership, the church saw a growth |
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in membership and an expansion of church facilities and programs; |
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throughout his tenure, he helped parishioners navigate times of |
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sorrow and uncertainty, rejoiced with them in times of gladness, |
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and led them in carrying out the work of the church; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Wilbanks has further contributed to the |
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community through his involvement in civic organizations in the |
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Mesquite area; he served as president of the Mesquite Ministers' |
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Association and as a member of the board of Mesquite Social Services |
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and the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Association; moreover, he |
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currently serves as chair of the Mesquite Police Training Advisory |
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Board and as a member of the advisory council for the Eastfield |
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College Criminal Justice Training Center; and |
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WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Wilbanks enjoys the love |
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and support of a fine family that includes his wife, Carolyn, and |
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his two daughters, Marilyn and Marjorie; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the course of almost five decades in the |
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ministry, Dr. Wilbanks has provided inspiration and spiritual |
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guidance to countless individuals, and he has earned the lasting |
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respect and admiration of worshippers at First Presbyterian Church |
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as well as residents of the greater community; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Thomas G. Wilbanks for 47 years of |
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outstanding service to First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite and |
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extend to him sincere best wishes for 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 Dr. Wilbanks as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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Burkett |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 874 was adopted by the House on March |
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12, 2015, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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