H.R. No. 1066
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Reverend D. N. Benford Sr. of Rising Star
Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City was recognized as the
longest-serving pastor of the same church by Guinness World Records
in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Called to the ministry at the age of 12, D. N.
Benford delivered his first sermon when he was 14; he went on to
serve as a guest pastor at Rising Star Missionary Baptist in 1947
and preached for the congregation again in June 1950 before
officially assuming the pulpit on August 27 of that year; for the
past 72 years, he has provided valued inspiration and guidance to
his community of faith, gaining a wealth of wisdom and knowledge
along the way; and
WHEREAS, In addition to leading his congregation, Reverend
Benford played an important role in fighting segregation in
Galveston County, with Rising Star serving as a headquarters for
the local civil rights movement; he was also a driving force in
integrating Texas City and La Marque High Schools and in helping the
first Black person to become a member of the La Marque Independent
School District Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his remarkable tenure, Reverend Benford
has wholeheartedly committed himself to advancing the mission of
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, and he truly exemplifies the
highest standards of his vocation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Reverend D. N. Benford Sr. of
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City on his
recognition as the longest-serving pastor of the same church and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Reverend Benford as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Leo-Wilson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1066 was adopted by the House on April
20, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House