TITLE: Honoring Bishop George C. Sampleton of Bastrop for his service to his church and his community.

SUMMARY: Honoring Bishop George C. Sampleton of Bastrop for his service to his church and his community.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Over the course of his life, Bishop George C. Sampleton of Inspiration Pentecostal Church of the Apostolic Faith in Bastrop has dedicated himself to serving both his faith and the cause of justice, and he is truly deserving of special recognition during Black History Month; and WHEREAS, When he was a young man in 1965, during the height of the civil rights movement, Bishop Sampleton was one of the first African American students to integrate Gonzales High School; a ninth grader at the time, he endured harassment, verbal abuse, and the threat of violence with grace and fortitude; and WHEREAS, For the past two decades, Bishop Sampleton has committed himself to a life of faith as pastor of Inspiration Pentecostal Church, tending to the needy, the hungry, the sick, and the housebound; he has founded a phone ministry and a jail ministry, and he has been a source of spiritual solace to many of his parishioners; and WHEREAS, Elevated to bishop in 2016, this caring man of God has worked tirelessly to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society, and he is truly deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor Bishop George C. Sampleton for his service to his church and his community on the occasion of Black History Month and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Bishop Sampleton as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Cyrier Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 517 was adopted by the House on March 2, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House