TITLE: Recognizing the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the members of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church as they celebrate the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker for the church on June 9, 2013; and WHEREAS, Organized in 1899 by Reverends Gilbert Green and Hilliard R. Johnson, the church has its beginnings in a small building near Calhoun Avenue and Live Oak Street; after weathering storms, relocations, and internal rifts, the members found a permanent home in the building that exists today; and WHEREAS, This three-story Gothic Revival masonry structure was built in 1946 by James M. Thomas, an African American contractor and one of the city's most prominent architects of African American churches during that time; with its nave and twin towers, it exemplifies the vernacular of black churches built from the 1930s through the 1950s in Houston; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the church's devoted congregation has endured and become stronger in its faith, and its members have long been noted for their collective support of civic and benevolent movements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend the members of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church and the Harris County Historical Commission as they celebrate the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker at the church; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 30, 2013.