H.R. No. 2627
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of Bethlehem African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Old Ocean are celebrating the 150th anniversary
of their church's founding on June 11, 2017; and
WHEREAS, This historic institution traces its roots back to
the end of the American Civil War when, shortly after news of the
Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln arrived in
Texas, five former slaves, Abraham Kennedy, Calvin Parks, Saul
Harris, Charlie Lee, and Charles Allison, purchased a 600-acre
tract of land in the Chances Prairie community on which to build
homes for their families; and
WHEREAS, Looking ahead, the men also reserved an acre of this
tract as a future church site, and in 1867, the first church, a log
building, was erected on the property; under the guidance of its
inaugural pastor, Father Hayward, the church aligned with the AME
denomination in 1880, and it later merged with Brazoria and Cedar
Break churches; and
WHEREAS, In 1916, the original edifice was destroyed by a
storm, but members soon banded together to fund a new sanctuary
constructed by E. O. Viola; that facility housed the congregation
until 1940, when the Reverend E. A. Thomas successfully spearheaded
an effort to purchase and build the present-day building; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Bethlehem AME has benefited from the
able leadership of many dedicated clergymen, and that tradition of
service is continued today by the Reverend Fred P. Blair Jr., who
assumed the pulpit in 2010; the church has long played a vital role
in the community through numerous ministries and outreach programs,
including its annual Trustee Rally and Memorial Day celebration;
and
WHEREAS, For the past century and a half, Bethlehem AME
Church has served as a source of inspiration and guidance to those
who worship there, and its continued existence is a testament to the
unwavering commitment of its members and clergy, both past and
present; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the sesquicentennial of Bethlehem
African Methodist Episcopal Church and extend to the congregation
sincere best wishes for many more years of shared prayer and
fellowship; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Bonnen of Brazoria
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2627 was adopted by the House on May
28, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House