H.R. No. 293
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Over the past 40 years, Pastor Clarence O. Preston
of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Dallas has wholeheartedly dedicated
himself to his calling in the ministry; and
WHEREAS, A native of Terrell, Clarence Preston earned his
bachelor's degree in sociology and religion from Jarvis Christian
College in Hawkins in 1993, and he went on to receive master's
degrees in Christian leadership from Criswell College in Dallas in
1998 and in education administration from Texas A&M
University-Commerce in 2000; in the years that followed, he
furthered his religious education by obtaining a master of divinity
degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg,
Virginia, a doctor of ministry degree from Houston Graduate School
of Theology, and a Ph.D. in Biblical studies from Midwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Preston previously led the congregations of
Goodwill Baptist Church of Greenville and El Bethel Baptist Church
of Waxahachie, prior to assuming the pastorate of Beth Eden Baptist
Church in 2007; during his time as the church's pastor, he has
provided invaluable guidance to his congregation and the wider
community; and
WHEREAS, In addition to meeting the needs of his church,
Pastor Preston has served his denomination as a member of the Oak
Cliff Baptist Ministers Union, the Southern Baptist Convention, and
the National Missionary Baptist Convention; he also holds
membership in the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he
previously served as an assistant professor of religion at Jarvis
Christian University and as a trustee for Criswell College; he is
the author of two books, The Priesthood of All Believers: Uplifting
All Members and How to Make it Last Forever: Marriage from a
Christian Perspective; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Pastor Preston enjoys the love
and support of his wife, Charles Etta Dorsey Preston; the couple are
the parents of two children, Xavier and Charisma, and are further
blessed with a granddaughter, Imani; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Clarence O. Preston has inspired and uplifted
countless people throughout his exemplary career in the ministry,
and it is indeed a pleasure to join in recognizing this esteemed
clergyman for his notable achievements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Clarence O. Preston on his 40th
pastoral anniversary 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 Dr. Preston as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Y. Davis of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 293 was adopted by the House on April
17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 132, Nays 9, 1 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House