TITLE: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church in Old Ocean.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church in Old Ocean.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The members of Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church in Old Ocean are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church's founding on June 11, 2017; and WHEREAS, This historic institution traces its roots back to the end of the American Civil War when, shortly after news of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln arrived in Texas, five former slaves, Abraham Kennedy, Calvin Parks, Saul Harris, Charlie Lee, and Charles Allison, purchased a 600-acre tract of land in the Chances Prairie community on which to build homes for their families; and WHEREAS, Looking ahead, the men also reserved an acre of this tract as a future church site, and in 1867, the first church, a log building, was erected on the property; under the guidance of its inaugural pastor, Father Hayward, the church aligned with the AME denomination in 1880, and it later merged with Brazoria and Cedar Break churches; and WHEREAS, In 1916, the original edifice was destroyed by a storm, but members soon banded together to fund a new sanctuary constructed by E. O. Viola; that facility housed the congregation until 1940, when the Reverend E. A. Thomas successfully spearheaded an effort to purchase and build the present-day building; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Bethlehem AME has benefited from the able leadership of many dedicated clergymen, and that tradition of service is continued today by the Reverend Fred P. Blair Jr., who assumed the pulpit in 2010; the church has long played a vital role in the community through numerous ministries and outreach programs, including its annual Trustee Rally and Memorial Day celebration; and WHEREAS, For the past century and a half, Bethlehem AME Church has served as a source of inspiration and guidance to those who worship there, and its continued existence is a testament to the unwavering commitment of its members and clergy, both past and present; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the sesquicentennial of Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church and extend to the congregation sincere best wishes for many more years of shared prayer and fellowship; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bonnen of Brazoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2627 was adopted by the House on May 28, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House