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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The members of Ebenezer Third Baptist Church in |
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Austin are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church's |
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founding on February 16, 2025; and |
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WHEREAS, Third Baptist Church, as it was originally known, |
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was organized in 1875 by the Reverend C. Ward and 18 charter |
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members, who first met in the home of Elisa Hawkins; after the |
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congregation outgrew its first frame structure, a brick sanctuary |
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was erected in 1885 at the church's current location at East 10th |
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and San Marcos Streets; in the decades that followed, Ebenezer was |
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expanded, and the present building and education complex, a |
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parsonage, and various adjacent properties were added; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1938, under the direction of Virgie |
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Carrington-Dewitty, the church's Bright and Early Choir became the |
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first African American choir to perform on a commercial radio |
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program in Texas; today, members of all ages perform in six vocal |
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choirs and in a handbell choir, carrying on the congregation's |
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proud musical heritage; the church was recognized with the |
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placement of a Texas Historical Marker in 1976; and |
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WHEREAS, This venerable religious institution has played a |
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vital role in the community, providing its members with myriad |
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opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach; the |
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congregation has benefited from the able leadership of a number of |
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dedicated pastors, including the Reverend Dr. Marvin C. Griffin, |
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who served the congregation for more than four decades and oversaw |
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the church's mortgage burning ceremony during its centennial |
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celebration; today, that tradition of service is continued by the |
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Reverend Dr. Ricky Freeman; and |
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WHEREAS, Ebenezer Third Baptist Church has long served as a |
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source of inspiration and guidance to those who worship there, and |
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its continued existence is a testament to the unwavering commitment |
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of its members and clergy, both past and present; now, therefore, be |
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it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ebenezer |
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Third Baptist Church and extend to the congregation sincere best |
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wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |