TITLE: Commending Pastor David L. Smith on his 31 years of service to New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Houston.

SUMMARY: Commending Pastor David L. Smith on his 31 years of service to New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The members of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Houston are joining together on April 30, 2023, to honor Pastor David L. Smith for 31 years of dedicated service to that congregation; and WHEREAS, A native Houstonian, David Smith enjoyed a rewarding career with the city's Department of Public Works and Engineering that spanned more than three decades before his retirement; he has given generously of his time and talents to numerous civic organizations, including his service as president of the Houston Northeast Community Development Corporation and as a board member of the Aldine Education Foundation; and WHEREAS, Pastor Smith was a longtime member of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, and he first answered the call to the ministry at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in 1985; on April 26, 1992, he returned to New Bethlehem as the congregation's fifth pastor, and under his able leadership, the church has experienced significant growth and established a number of programs to serve the community, including a food pantry, a tape ministry, and a mission ministry; a graduate of the College of Biblical Studies, he has also attended the Southern Reformed College and Seminary; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Pastor Smith enjoys the love and support of his wife, Linda, and he takes great pride in his daughters, Tamara, Crystal, and Jessica, as well as his grandchildren, Jayla, Tamia, Chandler, and King; and WHEREAS, David Smith has served New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with conviction and compassion, and he has earned the lasting respect and admiration of his congregants as well as members of the greater community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend Pastor David L. Smith on his outstanding 31-year tenure with New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Pastor Smith as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Walle Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1147 was adopted by the House on April 20, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House