SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 690
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join the Robertson County Historical Commission in celebrating
the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker in honor of
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, During Reconstruction after the Civil War, former
slaves and freedmen throughout the South set out to establish
their own homes, communities, schools, and churches; a rich culture,
strong family values, and deep-rooted religious faith played a
vital role in helping to sustain African American families during
those turbulent times; and
WHEREAS, The original New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
was founded around 1830 and was located in the woods west of the
Spring Creek settlement; in the mid-1890s, Sam and Lucy Bell
Stubbs Mitchell, former slaves from the state of Georgia who had
moved to Texas, donated two acres of their land for a permanent
home for the church; and
WHEREAS, In 1911, church members took apart the existing
building and moved its various components to the church's present
location in Wheelock, where it was reconstructed to look the same
as the old building; through the years since its founding, the
church has served the area's African American community as a site
for such events as educational gatherings, reunions, and
Juneteenth celebrations; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, New Hope Missionary Baptist
Church has been a source of strength and solace for its members
and a place of fellowship for the community; it is truly fitting
that it be recognized with an Official Texas Historical Marker;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend the Robertson County Historical
Commission on its commitment to preserving the area's history and
extend best wishes to all for a memorable historical marker
dedication ceremony for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor
of this special occasion.
Schwertner
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 27, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate