TITLE: Recognizing the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Robertson County Historical Commission in celebrating the dedication of an Official Texas Historical Marker in honor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, During Reconstruction after the Civil War, former slaves and freedmen throughout the South set out to establish their own homes, communities, schools, and churches; a rich culture, strong family values, and deep-rooted religious faith played a vital role in helping to sustain African American families during those turbulent times; and WHEREAS, The original New Hope Missionary Baptist Church was founded around 1830 and was located in the woods west of the Spring Creek settlement; in the mid-1890s, Sam and Lucy Bell Stubbs Mitchell, former slaves from the state of Georgia who had moved to Texas, donated two acres of their land for a permanent home for the church; and WHEREAS, In 1911, church members took apart the existing building and moved its various components to the church's present location in Wheelock, where it was reconstructed to look the same as the old building; through the years since its founding, the church has served the area's African American community as a site for such events as educational gatherings, reunions, and Juneteenth celebrations; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church has been a source of strength and solace for its members and a place of fellowship for the community; it is truly fitting that it be recognized with an Official Texas Historical Marker; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the Robertson County Historical Commission on its commitment to preserving the area's history and extend best wishes to all for a memorable historical marker dedication ceremony for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion. Schwertner President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 27, 2017.