H.R. No. 874
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas G. Wilbanks, pastor of First
Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, retired on March 1, 2015,
concluding nearly a half-century of dedicated service to that
congregation; and
WHEREAS, A native of Texarkana, Thomas Wilbanks earned his
bachelor's degree from Trinity University in 1957; he went on to
complete his master of divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
in 1960, and he later received a doctor of divinity from McCormick
Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed clergyman joined First Presbyterian
in 1968, and under his skillful leadership, the church saw a growth
in membership and an expansion of church facilities and programs;
throughout his tenure, he helped parishioners navigate times of
sorrow and uncertainty, rejoiced with them in times of gladness,
and led them in carrying out the work of the church; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wilbanks has further contributed to the
community through his involvement in civic organizations in the
Mesquite area; he served as president of the Mesquite Ministers'
Association and as a member of the board of Mesquite Social Services
and the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Association; moreover, he
currently serves as chair of the Mesquite Police Training Advisory
Board and as a member of the advisory council for the Eastfield
College Criminal Justice Training Center; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Wilbanks enjoys the love
and support of a fine family that includes his wife, Carolyn, and
his two daughters, Marilyn and Marjorie; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of almost five decades in the
ministry, Dr. Wilbanks has provided inspiration and spiritual
guidance to countless individuals, and he has earned the lasting
respect and admiration of worshippers at First Presbyterian Church
as well as residents of the greater community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Thomas G. Wilbanks for 47 years of
outstanding service to First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Wilbanks as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Burkett
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 874 was adopted by the House on March
12, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House