SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 450

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Reverend Floyd Nathaniel Williams Sr. on his 65 years of loyal service as pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston; and

WHEREAS, Born into a family of preachers, Floyd Nathaniel Williams was called to ministry from a young age and pursued his calling at Bishop College, where he earned a degree in divinity; he served the nation with distinction as a warrant officer in the United States Army during the Korean War, and he began his career as a minister in Matthews, Texas, before leading congregations in Eagle Lake and Beaumont; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Williams accepted the position of pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in April of 1958 following the passing of his father, the late Reverend M. C. Williams, who faithfully led the congregation as pastor for 28 years; and

WHEREAS, With the steadfast guidance of Reverend F. N. Williams, the church has grown and thrived at its original location on Beall Street in the Acres Homes neighborhood of Northwest Houston; Reverend Williams has been instrumental in developing the church's outreach ministries, including instituting an athletic program to provide focus and support for the youth of the surrounding community, and he has led the congregation in establishing numerous community programs that provide assistance and encouragement to the Acres Homes community; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 65 years, Reverend Williams has ministered faithfully to the physical and spiritual needs of innumerable Christians and has served in leadership roles for numerous civic and charitable organizations, professional associations, and boards of educational institutions and community-oriented groups; he served as vice president of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas and as president of the Houston Baptist Pastors and Ministers Fellowship, and he has been a member and supporter of various youth and community ministries and founded Houston Ministers Against Crime; and

WHEREAS, Under Reverend Williams' outstanding leadership, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has provided enlightenment, hope, and a spiritual center to the Northwest Houston community; inspirational and dedicated to helping others, this beloved pastor has given generously of his time and energy to the members of his church and to serving others in the community; and

WHEREAS, A man of abiding faith and deep spiritual devotion, Reverend Williams has performed countless ceremonies and has prayed for and counseled the members of his congregation in times of hardship and bereavement as well as in times of celebration and joy; it is indeed fitting that he receive special recognition on his 65 years of service as pastor and that the church's members celebrate this exceptional milestone; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend the Reverend Floyd Nathaniel Williams Sr. on his many contributions to the Houston community and on his exemplary leadership of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Whitmire

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 20, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate