89S11017 EME-D
 
  By: Shofner H.R. No. 57
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The members of St. John's Episcopal Church in
  Carthage are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their church's
  founding on September 21, 2025; and
         WHEREAS, St. John's was first organized in an abandoned
  theater with a handful of charter members under the leadership of
  Pastor John W. Fritts on July 29, 1950; the growing congregation
  met in a garage apartment before breaking ground on a sanctuary in
  October 1951, and the new building was dedicated the following
  year; the congregation went on to add a parish hall and an education
  wing, and it paid off all its debts in 1961; and
         WHEREAS, Since its establishment, St. John's has benefited
  from the dedicated efforts of a number of outstanding clergy,
  including Pastor Jennene Laurinec, who leads the congregation
  today; and
         WHEREAS, 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; and
         WHEREAS, Countless Carthage residents have looked to
  St. John's Episcopal Church for spiritual guidance over the years,
  and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the congregation at this
  special time in its rich history; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the 75th
  anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church and extend to its
  members 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.