TITLE: Recognizing Highland Park United Methodist Church as it approaches its centennial.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Highland Park United Methodist Church as it approaches its centennial.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On February 22, 2015, the members of Highland Park United Methodist Church began a year-long celebration leading up to its centennial; and WHEREAS, The church traces its origins to the founding of Southern Methodist University, and it was briefly known as University Church; the first services were held on the SMU campus in February 1916, and within months, Methodist families attending other Highland Park churches agreed to transfer their membership; and WHEREAS, In 1917, a temporary building known affectionately as "the Little Brown Church" was constructed; it was replaced in 1927 by a splendid Gothic cathedral; the congregation has continued to grow and flourish, and in 2011, it renovated the historic Munger Place Church in East Dallas to serve as a satellite campus; and WHEREAS, Highland Park United Methodist Church today has a membership of more than 15,000; since its inception, the house of worship has benefited from the dedicated efforts of 11 outstanding clergymen, including its current senior pastor, Paul Rasmussen; and WHEREAS, Countless area residents have looked to Highland Park United Methodist Church for spiritual enrichment and guidance through the years, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the church at this special time in its rich history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Highland Park United Methodist Church as it approaches its centennial and extend to its members and clergy sincere best wishes for a memorable celebration; 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. Meyer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1562 was adopted by the House on April 16, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House