TITLE: Recognizing Mark Neeley on the occasion of his retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Mark Neeley on the occasion of his retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Mark Neeley is retiring as pastor of First Baptist Church of Mineola on August 31, 2017, following 27 years of committed service to that congregation; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Baylor University, Mark Neeley earned a master of divinity degree and a doctor of ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he later completed a sabbatical study of the Old Testament at Regent College in Vancouver; and WHEREAS, Beginning his work as a summer youth minister at First Baptist Church of Hitchcock, Dr. Neeley went on to become the church's associate pastor in 1977 and its pastor three years later; in 1990, he was called to lead First Baptist Church of Mineola, where he has helped create a strong sense of unity and fellowship among members of the congregation; moreover, he has overseen a number of renovations and additions to the church facility during his nearly three decades at the pulpit; and WHEREAS, This esteemed clergyman has distinguished himself as a moderator for the Smith Baptist Association and as a member of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board and the Mineola Ministerial Alliance; he has also served on the Hitchcock and Mineola Independent School District Long Range Planning Committees; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Neeley is blessed with the love and encouragement of his wife, Peggy, and he takes immense pride in their two daughters, Sarah and Sally; and WHEREAS, Mark Neeley has wholeheartedly devoted his talents and energies to advancing the mission of First Baptist Church of Mineola, and his insight and leadership have touched the lives of countless people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate the Reverend Dr. Mark Neeley on his retirement as pastor of First Baptist Church of Mineola and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Dr. Neeley as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 10, 2017.