TITLE: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Mexia.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Mexia.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The members of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Mexia are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their church's founding on March 3, 2019; and WHEREAS, Established in 1919 under the leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend H. E. Embra, Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church began with 17 members who met in a garage; the congregation built its first church structure in 1926, and in the subsequent years, another building was constructed; and WHEREAS, During the 1950s, the church was remodeled, and a small fellowship hall was later added; the current sanctuary was completed in the 1990s, along with an educational wing and a permanent parsonage, and a new fellowship hall was completed in 2017; and WHEREAS, Since its organization by Reverend Embra a century ago, Sweet Home has benefited from the dedicated efforts of more than 20 outstanding clergymen, including Byron Ravnell, who leads the congregation today; under his leadership, the church has ordained its first women ministers and organized its first women's conference; and WHEREAS, United by their shared faith and strong traditions, the members of this notable house of worship have supported a variety of commendable programs over the years that have offered fellowship as well as help to those in need, including a food pantry and clothing resale store, a community choir, a black history program, and a church summer Olympics; and WHEREAS, Countless residents of Mexia have looked to Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church for spiritual enrichment and 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 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church on its centennial and extend to Reverend Ravnell and the members of the church sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kacal Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 547 was adopted by the House on February 27, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House