SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 974
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Carmel Baptist Church on the occasion of its 160th
anniversary; and
WHEREAS, This historic house of worship was established on
May 6, 1853, on land owned by Zachariah Ellison in what is today
Lindale; it represented the shared religious mission of the
original six members; its pastor was the Reverend John Bledsoe,
and Milton Carter was chosen as deacon and church clerk; and
WHEREAS, These early worshippers attended services
faithfully, and by October of 1865, the membership had grown to
91 people, 26 of whom were African American; and
WHEREAS, In November of that year, the church authorized
membership letters for its African American brethren, who then
started Duck Creek Baptist Church, and the two churches have
maintained a cordial relationship to this day; and
WHEREAS, Since the founding of Carmel Baptist Church, it
has been overseen by more than 40 pastors, including the current
minister, James E. Cheatham; and
WHEREAS, Over the decades, this historic church has
provided a spiritual home and a place of peace for its members,
and its evangelistic and mission-minded congregation has grown
in its commitment and faith; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby commend the members of Carmel Baptist
Church on the occasion of the church's 160th anniversary; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the church in honor of this milestone and as an expression of
esteem from the Texas Senate.
Deuell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 15, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate