H.R. No. 197
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of Antioch Baptist Church in Freestone
County are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church's
founding in 2021; and
WHEREAS, The congregation was established as Antioch Baptist
Church of Christ in 1871 under its first pastor, the Reverend John
Webb, who is buried on the grounds; in the early decades, a circuit
preacher held services once a month, and in 1953, regular weekly
services began; and
WHEREAS, The church's original sanctuary was a plain,
box-like structure heated by wood-burning stoves, and it also
served as a school until a proper schoolhouse was built nearby; the
grounds featured willow brush arbors that were eventually replaced
with a pavilion that was used for revival meetings and outdoor
services; over the years, the rebuilding and renovation of the
church has been financed by such community efforts as planting and
harvesting cotton, as well as selling chickens, eggs, quilts, and
boxed dinners; and
WHEREAS, Since its organization, Antioch Baptist Church has
benefited from the dedicated efforts of a number of outstanding
clergy, including Pastor Cody Craig, who leads the congregation
today; 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; and
WHEREAS, Countless residents of Fairfield and Freestone
County have looked to Antioch Baptist Church for spiritual guidance
through 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 87th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Antioch
Baptist Church and extend to the congregation sincere best wishes
for the future; 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.
Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 197 was adopted by the House on March
18, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House