HR20 - Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ebenezer Third Baptist Church in Austin.

      H.R. No. 20       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, The members of Ebenezer Third Baptist Church in   Austin are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their church's   founding on February 16, 2025; and          WHEREAS, Third Baptist Church, as it was originally known,   was organized in 1875 by the Reverend C. Ward and 18 charter   members, who first met in the home of Elisa Hawkins; after the   congregation outgrew its first frame structure, a brick sanctuary   was erected in 1885 at the church's current location at East 10th   and San Marcos Streets; in the decades that followed, Ebenezer was   expanded, and the present building and education complex, a   parsonage, and various adjacent properties were added; and          WHEREAS, In 1938, under the direction of Virgie   Carrington-Dewitty, the church's Bright and Early Choir became the   first African American choir to perform on a commercial radio   program in Texas; today, members of all ages perform in six vocal   choirs and in a handbell choir, carrying on the congregation's   proud musical heritage; the church was recognized with the   placement of a Texas Historical Marker in 1976; and          WHEREAS, This venerable religious institution has played a   vital role in the community, providing its members with myriad   opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach; the   congregation has benefited from the able leadership of a number of   dedicated pastors, including the Reverend Dr. Marvin C. Griffin,   who served the congregation for more than four decades and oversaw   the church's mortgage burning ceremony during its centennial   celebration; today, that tradition of service is continued by the   Reverend Dr. Ricky Freeman; and          WHEREAS, Ebenezer Third Baptist Church has long served as a   source of inspiration and guidance to those who worship there, and   its continued existence is a testament to the unwavering commitment   of its members and clergy, both past and present; now, therefore, be   it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ebenezer   Third Baptist Church and extend to the congregation sincere best   wishes for the future; 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.     Cole     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 20 was adopted by the House on March   6, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House