88R23573 BHH-D
By: Walle H.R. No. 1147
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist
Church in Houston are joining together on April 30, 2023, to honor
Pastor David L. Smith for 31 years of dedicated service to that
congregation; and
WHEREAS, A native Houstonian, David Smith enjoyed a rewarding
career with the city's Department of Public Works and Engineering
that spanned more than three decades before his retirement; he has
given generously of his time and talents to numerous civic
organizations, including his service as president of the Houston
Northeast Community Development Corporation and as a board member
of the Aldine Education Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Smith was a longtime member of New Bethlehem
Missionary Baptist Church, and he first answered the call to the
ministry at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in 1985; on April
26, 1992, he returned to New Bethlehem as the congregation's fifth
pastor, and under his able leadership, the church has experienced
significant growth and established a number of programs to serve
the community, including a food pantry, a tape ministry, and a
mission ministry; a graduate of the College of Biblical Studies, he
has also attended the Southern Reformed College and Seminary; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Pastor Smith enjoys the love
and support of his wife, Linda, and he takes great pride in his
daughters, Tamara, Crystal, and Jessica, as well as his
grandchildren, Jayla, Tamia, Chandler, and King; and
WHEREAS, David Smith has served New Bethlehem Missionary
Baptist Church with conviction and compassion, and he has earned
the lasting respect and admiration of his congregants as well as
members of the greater community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Pastor David L. Smith on his outstanding
31-year tenure with New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Pastor Smith as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.