SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Salem Institutional Baptist Church in Dallas on the grand occasion of its 125th anniversary; and WHEREAS, The Salem Institutional Baptist Church was founded in 1888 by Father J. S. Sims, and over the years, the church has fostered Christian education in the community and has ministered faithfully to the spiritual needs of the citizens of Dallas and the surrounding area; and WHEREAS, Due to the guidance and wise stewardship of its pastors and to the outstanding leadership of its current pastor, the Reverend Todd Marshall Atkins, the church has continued to grow and to undertake many worthy projects within the community; and WHEREAS, During his three-year tenure as pastor of the church, Reverend Atkins has become well known for his powerful leadership style, and 150 new members have joined the congregation; and WHEREAS, The Salem Institutional Baptist Church is a source of strength for church members during their hardships and in times of bereavement, and it is a source of joy and peace in their daily lives; the celebration in honor of the church's 125th anniversary takes place on August 11, 2013; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend best wishes to the clergy and members of the Salem Institutional Baptist Church on the joyous occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the church as a memento of this occasion. West ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 5, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate