83R18841 MGR-D
By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 1574
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Pastor Bruce Datcher of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist
Church in Fort Worth is serving as Pastor of the Day for the Texas
House of Representatives on April 29, 2013; and
WHEREAS, After joining Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church as
an interim pastor in 2003, Pastor Datcher assumed the pulpit
permanently in 2004; he spent his first years with the church
focused on youth outreach and developing programs that offered
mentors and financial assistance for college to young people; and
WHEREAS, This notable leader was instrumental in the church's
development of the Brighter Outlook Community Center, which hosts
programs for senior citizens, including a hot meal initiative,
social activities, health education, and exercise classes, and for
children, providing healthy meals, school supply and clothing
giveaways, and gifts at holiday time; he now serves as the nonprofit
center's president and CEO; moreover, he helped to inspire a
countywide senior outreach program organized by the Amon Carter
Museum of American Art; and
WHEREAS, Recognized for his efforts with many awards and
honors, Pastor Datcher received the Young Preacher of the Year
Award in 2006 and the R. E. Price Community Service Award this year;
he has a bachelor's degree in Biblical studies from Aspen Christian
College and a master's degree from Aspen Theological Seminary;
currently, he is a candidate for a doctoral degree from the Newburg
Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Datcher serves the broader community in a
variety of ways; he is a member of the Fort Worth mayor's
faith-based cabinet, is affiliated with a leadership initiative of
the Fort Worth public school system, and is part of a YMCA strategy
team for Fort Worth; in addition, he serves as an advisor with the
Area Agency on Aging/United Way of Tarrant County's Neighbor
Helping Neighbor program, as a senior chaplain to the office of a
Dallas County constable, as a co-chair of Zone II of the Galilee
Griggs Memorial District Association of Baptist Churches, as
general secretary of the Texas State Missionary Baptist Convention,
and as assistant general secretary of the Moderators Auxiliary of
the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Datcher is an outstanding preacher and
community leader, and through the years he has inspired countless
Texans with his message of faith and goodwill; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby express its sincere appreciation to Pastor Bruce
Datcher for his service as Pastor of the Day and extend to him
warmest best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in his
ministry; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Pastor Datcher as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.