H.R. No. 637
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of Pilgrim Branch Missionary Baptist
Church in Houston are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their
church's founding in June 2019; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1869 under the leadership of the
Reverend Mack Austin, the former Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
Church was created to serve a newly freed people following the end
of the Civil War; in its early years, it was located in the lowlands
on Faulkey Gully but after persistent troubles with flooding, the
church moved north to an area known as Kohrville, and the Reverend
Phil Blackstock became its first pastor; and
WHEREAS, Since its organization, Pilgrim Branch has
benefited from the dedicated efforts of many outstanding clergy,
and today that tradition of service is continued by the Reverend
Herman L. Pickens; and
WHEREAS, United by their shared faith and strong traditions,
the members of this notable house of worship have established a
variety of commendable programs that foster fellowship and offer
help to those in need, including a food pantry, a sick and
bereavement support group, a praise choir, and a youth ministry;
and
WHEREAS, Countless Houston residents have looked to Pilgrim
Branch for spiritual guidance over the years, and it is a pleasure
to join in honoring the church at this special time in its rich
history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Pilgrim
Branch Missionary Baptist Church and extend to Reverend Pickens and
the congregation sincere best wishes for many more years of shared
prayer and communion; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Pilgrim Branch Missionary Baptist Church as an
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Harless
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 637 was adopted by the House on March
21, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House