SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1181
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize New Hope Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, on the
grand occasion of its 138th anniversary, which is being
celebrated July 24, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Organized on July 27, 1873, New Hope Baptist
Church has the distinction of being the first black church in
Dallas to be entirely organized and owned by black people; the
church has its roots in a series of prayer meetings held in a log
home by seven dedicated Christians who decided to form a church;
the first pastor was a traveling missionary evangelist, the
Reverend John Hay; and
WHEREAS, Over the last 138 years, the church has ministered
faithfully to the needs of the citizens of Dallas; under the
leadership of the Reverend E. W. D. Isaac, the church's youth
program was expanded, and the church developed into a true center
for Christian community improvement; under the guidance of Dr.
Alexander Stephens Jackson, who had a lengthy tenure as pastor, a
new church edifice was built and became a cultural, political,
and educational gathering place in the city; and
WHEREAS, In the past decade, from 1999 to 2009, the
Reverend Alfred Walker, Jr., served as the 12th pastor of the
church; since 2009, Dr. Ronald E. Jones has served as interim
pastor, and under his leadership, the church has continued to
undertake many worthy projects in the community; and
WHEREAS, New Hope Baptist Church has consistently served
as an invaluable source of strength to its members during their
hardships and in difficult times; and
WHEREAS, The observance of the church's 138th anniversary is
an opportunity to pay tribute to the church for its contributions
to the lives of area citizens and for the support and inspiration it
provides to the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby extend best wishes to the clergy and members
of New Hope Baptist Church on the joyous occasion of its 138th
anniversary; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the church as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
West
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 25, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate