SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1027
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Saint John Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of
  the celebration of its 139th anniversary and the reopening of its
  sanctuary on June 7, 2015; and
         WHEREAS, This historic Dallas church was first organized
  as Free Will Baptist Church in the spring of 1876, and services
  were initially held in a small home on Peak Alley; and
         WHEREAS, Over the years, the church has ministered
  faithfully to the temporal and spiritual needs of innumerable
  Christians; dynamic leaders, including the Reverend R. T.
  Andrews and Dr. E. C. Estell Sr., helped establish the church as
  a prominent missionary organization and strengthen its
  involvement in national meetings; and
         WHEREAS, Under the wise stewardship of its current pastor,
  the Reverend Bertrain Bailey, the church has continued to grow
  and to expand its mission of service; Pastor Bailey has helped to
  reinvigorate the church's youth program and has overseen several
  of the church's building projects, including the renovation of
  the 1,500-seat sanctuary, which is reopening as part of the
  church's anniversary celebration; and
         WHEREAS, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church has served
  as a source of strength to church members during times of
  hardship and bereavement and as a source of joy and fellowship
  during times of abundance and prosperity; and
         WHEREAS, The celebration of the church's 139th anniversary
  is an opportunity to reflect on its rich history and on the many
  ministries it has established to the benefit of the community;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
  Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the clergy and members
  of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church on the joyous occasion of
  its 139th anniversary and the reopening of the sanctuary; and, be
  it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  the church as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
 
  West
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 28, 2015.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate