SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 514 WHEREAS, The members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church's founding in 2023; and WHEREAS, First organized by a group from the Williamson Creek settlement in 1873, the congregation was established as Mt. Zion Baptist Church Williamson Creek under the leadership of the Reverend Jacob Fontaine; following a devastating flood, the church rebuilt on the north bank of Williamson Creek, and that structure was moved to East 13th Street in 1948 after the congregation relocated to Austin; drawing more and more members, the church moved into a larger sanctuary in 1979, and the old church building was subsequently converted into the S. A. Davis Fellowship Hall; over the years, the church has continued to expand its facilities to accommodate the needs of its growing membership; and WHEREAS, Since its founding, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has benefited from the dedicated efforts of many outstanding clergy, including the Reverend Dr. Daryl L. Horton, who has led the congregation since 2021; united by their shared faith and strong traditions, the members of this notable house of worship have established such commendable programs as the Ace Team, the Mt. Zion Action and Resource Center, and Partners in Education; moreover, the church contributes to charitable organizations ranging from the Salvation Army to the NAACP; and WHEREAS, Countless area residents have looked to Mt. Zion Baptist Church 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin and extend to its members 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 from the Texas Senate. Eckhardt, Miles ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2023. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate