85S12020 JCD-D
By: Paddie H.R. No. 230
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall is
celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding on November 26,
2017; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest African American congregations in
Harrison County, Bethesda was established in 1867 by the Reverend
William Massey and was originally known as the "Colored Baptist
Church"; organized with some 450 initial members, the church played
a central role in the religious, social, and political lives of
recently freed slaves in the Marshall area; it also helped to meet
the educational needs of the community, as its building served as a
schoolhouse and its first pastor, Reverend Massey, did double duty
as a teacher; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1880s, Bethesda supported the
establishment in Marshall of Bishop College for the purpose of
training African American teachers and preachers; David Abner, one
of the church's founders and a prominent Reconstruction-era
politician and public servant, was instrumental in the creation of
the college and served on its first board of trustees; over the
years, the congregation's strong link with the school led to
Bethesda's becoming known as the "College Church"; since Bishop's
move to Dallas in 1961, the church has developed a close
relationship with Wiley College; and
WHEREAS, Today, members of Bethesda support a number of
ministries that provide myriad opportunities for spiritual growth,
fellowship, and outreach; this dynamic congregation has benefited
from the efforts of many dedicated ministers since its inception,
and Bethesda is now fortunate to be led by the Reverend James
E. Webb, who assumed the pulpit in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church has long 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, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the
sesquicentennial of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall
and extend to all those associated with the church sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Bethesda MBC as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.