TITLE: Commemorating the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker at Smith Point Community Church in Chambers County.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker at Smith Point Community Church in Chambers County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Members of Smith Point Community Church, in Chambers County, are gathering on April 29, 2017, to dedicate an Official Texas Historical Marker honoring that venerable congregation; and WHEREAS, Beginning in the late 1800s, circuit-riding Baptist preachers held monthly religious services for residents in the area, first under the trees and later in the local schoolhouse, which also functioned as a community fellowship center; eventually, a second school was built to accommodate a growing population, and that structure is used as the church's sanctuary to this day; and WHEREAS, Brother Hollis and Addie Newman officially reorganized Smith Point Baptist Church in 1948 with the assistance of Mark and Richard "Dick" Whittington; the Reverend L. J. Hand served as the congregation's first pastor; in 2007, the name was changed to Smith Point Community Church to reflect the church's status as the only religious institution in the area; the Reverend Michael K. Graves currently leads the bilingual congregation, which worships in both English and Spanish; and WHEREAS, For more than 100 years, Smith Point Community Church has been a source of inspiration and guidance to area residents, and this recognition from the Texas Historical Commission is a fitting tribute to the steadfastness of its members and to the significant role the church has played in building a strong and caring community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker at Smith Point Community Church and extend to the church's clergy, congregation, and guests sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable event; 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. Faircloth Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 660 was adopted by the House on March 9, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House