84R17376 BPG-D
 
  By: Bonnen of Brazoria H.R. No. 1593
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, For 175 years, families have come together to
  celebrate their faith at Columbia United Methodist Church in West
  Columbia; and
         WHEREAS, The church was first organized as a Methodist
  Society by the Reverend Isaac L. G. Strickland in 1839, and it was
  formally established on March 7 of the following year; considered
  the oldest Methodist congregation in Brazoria County, it first
  occupied a brick building, and a subsequent frame structure was
  replaced by the present brick sanctuary in 1958; in 1984, the church
  was honored with an official state historical marker by the Texas
  Historical Commission; and
         WHEREAS, Over the years, the church has continued to
  flourish; the building was renovated and beautiful stained-glass
  windows were installed in the 1990s, and later, a large fellowship
  hall, kitchen, and new offices were added; in recent decades, the
  congregation has expanded its community outreach programs as well;
  and
         WHEREAS, Columbia United Methodist has benefited from the
  able leadership of many dedicated pastors, and today, that
  tradition of service continues under the direction of Dr. Michael
  Deaton; and
         WHEREAS, Since its inception, Columbia United Methodist
  Church has served as a source of inspiration and guidance to those
  who worship there, and its continued existence is a tribute to the
  unwavering commitment of its members, both past and present; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the 175th anniversary of Columbia
  United Methodist Church and extend to its congregation sincere best
  wishes for many more years of shared prayer and fellowship; 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.