H.R. No. 767

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Members of First Baptist Church Waxahachie celebrated the dedication of their church's new home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gospel concert on March 3, 2019; and

WHEREAS, First organized on March 17, 1861, FBC Waxahachie started out as a small church with only 12 founding members; it has since developed into a thriving congregation that has outgrown a number of sanctuaries; previously located on North Rogers Street, the church moved to its current campus on the U.S. Highway 287 bypass near Broadhead Road in December 2018; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, FBC Waxahachie has benefited from the efforts of 12 outstanding clergymen, including the Reverend David Ritsema, who has led the congregation since 2013; united by their shared faith and strong traditions, the members of this notable house of worship have established a variety of commendable programs that foster fellowship and offer help to those in need, including missions to Guatemala and Estonia; the church is currently focusing on assisting children from low-income families in the local community; and

WHEREAS, For 158 years, First Baptist Church Waxahachie has played a vital role in the lives of area residents, and its continued existence is a tribute to the unwavering commitment of its congregants, both past and present; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of First Baptist Church Waxahachie's new building and extend to its members and clergy 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.

Wray

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 767 was adopted by the House on March 21, 2019, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House