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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98
BY REPRESENTATIVE LEGER
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans upon its
reopening ceremony in June of 2012
A RESOLUTION1
To commend Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans upon its reopening ceremony in June2
of 2012.3
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commend Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans4
upon its memorable and historic reopening ceremony; and5
WHEREAS, on Sunday, June 3, 2012, members of Nazareth Baptist Church in New6
Orleans are gathering to celebrate the laying of a cornerstone to symbolize the church's7
complete renovation; and8
WHEREAS, during Hurricane Katrina the church was severely damaged, and its9
inner sanctuary was inundated with more than five feet of water; and10
WHEREAS, Nazareth Baptist Church was organized in 1922 by the late Reverend11
James Harrington and a small band of believers; and12
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Reverend Harrington, the late Reverend13
Clarence Gilbert, and several others, the church grew to be a beacon of light in the14
Carrollton-Hollygrove community; and15
WHEREAS, following Hurricane Katrina, the church has faced many challenges in16
rebuilding efforts, which began in 2006, and when the Reverend Dr. Marc A. Napoleon, a17
former pastor of the church, returned in 2009 after a six-year absence, progress sped up18
drastically; and 19
WHEREAS, Reverend Napoleon and church members have worked tirelessly to20
rebuild this deeply beloved church, which is a pillar of its community; and21 HLS 12RS-4350 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 98
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WHEREAS, the reopening of Nazareth Baptist Church is cause for great joy and1
celebration in Carrollton-Hollygrove and beyond; and2
WHEREAS, the memorable and historic occasion of this church's reopening3
ceremony serves as a welcome and hopeful example of the ongoing restoration and4
rebuilding that is possible throughout the city of New Orleans and all hurricane-affected5
areas in Louisiana; and6
WHEREAS, under Reverend Napoleon's inspiring leadership and direction, the7
church will surely continue to thrive, and its members and leaders have the utmost trust that8
God's grace will lead them on in harmony and thanksgiving as they celebrate the church's9
reopening ceremony as a community of faith and fellowship.10
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the11
Legislature of Louisiana hereby commends the Nazareth Baptist Church upon its reopening12
ceremony in June of 2012, hereby recognizes the significant role the church is playing in the13
continuing rebirth and renewal of the Crescent City, and hereby records for posterity the14
tremendous pride and honor that this extraordinary church community brings to the city of15
New Orleans and to the state of Louisiana.16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted17
to Reverend Dr. Marc A. Napoleon, pastor of Nazareth Baptist Church.18
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Leger HR No. 98
Commends Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans upon its reopening ceremony in June
of 2012.