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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The members of Pilgrim Branch Missionary Baptist |
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Church in Houston are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their |
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church's founding in June 2019; and |
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WHEREAS, Established in 1869 under the leadership of the |
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Reverend Mack Austin, the former Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist |
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Church was created to serve a newly freed people following the end |
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of the Civil War; in its early years, it was located in the lowlands |
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on Faulkey Gully but after persistent troubles with flooding, the |
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church moved north to an area known as Kohrville, and the Reverend |
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Phil Blackstock became its first pastor; and |
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WHEREAS, Since its organization, Pilgrim Branch has |
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benefited from the dedicated efforts of many outstanding clergy, |
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and today that tradition of service is continued by the Reverend |
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Herman L. Pickens; and |
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WHEREAS, United by their shared faith and strong traditions, |
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the members of this notable house of worship have established a |
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variety of commendable programs that foster fellowship and offer |
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help to those in need, including a food pantry, a sick and |
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bereavement support group, a praise choir, and a youth ministry; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Countless Houston residents have looked to Pilgrim |
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Branch for spiritual guidance over the years, and it is a pleasure |
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to join in honoring the church at this special time in its rich |
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history; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Pilgrim |
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Branch Missionary Baptist Church and extend to Reverend Pickens and |
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the congregation sincere best wishes for many more years of shared |
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prayer and communion; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Pilgrim Branch Missionary Baptist Church as an |
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expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |