H.R. No. 2297
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of Greater Jerusalem Missionary Baptist
Church in Houston are joining together on May 28, 2017, to honor
Pastor Joe Fred Russell for two decades of dedicated service to that
congregation; and
WHEREAS, Formerly pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in
Corrigan, Pastor Russell assumed the leadership of Greater
Jerusalem in 1997; since that time, the congregation has added
hundreds of new members, and a number of deacons have been ordained;
the church maintains an intensive focus on evangelism and provides
many opportunities to its members for fellowship and spiritual
growth; it also ministers regularly to the sick and homebound and
sponsors such vital programs as a food pantry and a clothes closet;
and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his tenure, Pastor Russell has
overseen the acquisition of land to accommodate further growth of
the church; moreover, the congregation has purchased and renovated
a number of commercial properties to house a counseling center, a
recreation center, and businesses that benefit the community; among
these is the Greater Jerusalem Cosmetology School, which offers
vocational assistance and frequently provides services to the
indigent; and
WHEREAS, An inspiring clergyman, Pastor Joe Russell has led
Greater Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with conviction and
compassion, and he has earned the lasting respect and admiration of
his congregants and members of the community at large; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Pastor Joe Fred Russell on the occasion of
his 20th pastoral anniversary at Greater Jerusalem Missionary
Baptist Church and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
success with his important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Pastor Russell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Walle
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2297 was adopted by the House on May
25, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House