H.R. No. 1892
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Bethel
Baptist Church in Whitewright, and members are celebrating this
significant milestone on April 26; and
WHEREAS, Officially organized in 1884, Bethel Baptist Church
was first led by Brother Bob Thomas, who shepherded the original 37
members; in 1897, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Autrey deeded to the
congregation's leadership the land on which the church still stands
today, and the first building was dedicated on August 15 of that
year; and
WHEREAS, A new facility was constructed in 1937, the
baptistery was completed in 1949, and an educational building was
added in 2002; after a tornado destroyed the sanctuary in 2006, a
new one was erected the following year, and the congregation will
celebrate its dedication in conjunction with this milestone
anniversary; and
WHEREAS, For 125 years, Bethel Baptist Church has served as a
source of strength and guidance to those who have worshiped there,
and the church stands as a tribute to the faith and dedication of
its members, both past and present, who have devoted their time,
prayers, and resources to ensure its continued existence; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Bethel Baptist Church on its 125th
anniversary and extend to the congregation 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.
Phillips
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1892 was adopted by the House on May
14, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House