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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98
BY REPRESENTATIVE LEGER
A RESOLUTION
To commend Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans upon its reopening ceremony in June
of 2012.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commend Nazareth Baptist Church in New Orleans
upon its memorable and historic reopening ceremony; and
WHEREAS, on Sunday, June 3, 2012, members of Nazareth Baptist Church in New
Orleans are gathering to celebrate the laying of a cornerstone to symbolize the church's
complete renovation; and
WHEREAS, during Hurricane Katrina the church was severely damaged, and its
inner sanctuary was inundated with more than five feet of water; and
WHEREAS, Nazareth Baptist Church was organized in 1922 by the late Reverend
James Harrington and a small band of believers; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Reverend Harrington, the late Reverend
Clarence Gilbert, and several others, the church grew to be a beacon of light in the
Carrollton-Hollygrove community; and
WHEREAS, following Hurricane Katrina, the church has faced many challenges in
rebuilding efforts, which began in 2006, and when the Reverend Dr. Marc A. Napoleon, a
former pastor of the church, returned in 2009 after a six-year absence, progress sped up
drastically; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Napoleon and church members have worked tirelessly to
rebuild this deeply beloved church, which is a pillar of its community; and
WHEREAS, the reopening of Nazareth Baptist Church is cause for great joy and
celebration in Carrollton-Hollygrove and beyond; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 98
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WHEREAS, the memorable and historic occasion of this church's reopening
ceremony serves as a welcome and hopeful example of the ongoing restoration and
rebuilding that is possible throughout the city of New Orleans and all hurricane-affected
areas in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, under Reverend Napoleon's inspiring leadership and direction, the
church will surely continue to thrive, and its members and leaders have the utmost trust that
God's grace will lead them on in harmony and thanksgiving as they celebrate the church's
reopening ceremony as a community of faith and fellowship.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana hereby commends the Nazareth Baptist Church upon its reopening
ceremony in June of 2012, hereby recognizes the significant role the church is playing in the
continuing rebirth and renewal of the Crescent City, and hereby records for posterity the
tremendous pride and honor that this extraordinary church community brings to the city of
New Orleans and to the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Reverend Dr. Marc A. Napoleon, pastor of Nazareth Baptist Church.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES