HR1128: HR1128 Chestnut Grove Baptist Church; occasion of its 175th anniversary; recognize

26 LC 129 0690 House Resolution 1128 By: Representatives Adeyina of the 110th, Okoye of the 102nd, Clark of the 108th, Beckles of the 96th, and Ali of the 106th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Chestnut Grove Baptist Church on the occasion of its 175th1 anniversary; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the seeds which were sown by the loving and humble eff orts of the devoted3 original worshipers of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church have blossomed, establishing a rich4 tradition and history; and5 WHEREAS, organized in 1850, Chestnut Grove Baptist Church has grown under the divine6 direction of more than 50 pastors over the years, allowing the Word of God to spread7 throughout the Grayson community and beyond; and8 WHEREAS, the church was founded when nine men, Rev. William Sea mon Moore, John9 Carroll, James G. H. Herring, Nathan Fowler, James Johnson, Jet hro Norris, Isaac Petty,10 George Petty, and James Young, gathered with their families ben eath a brush arbor to11 proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, forming a fellowship that quickly grew to nearly 5012 people; and13 H. R. 1128 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0690 WHEREAS, within two years of its founding, the church acquired two acres of land and14 constructed a log cabin for worship, which also served as the a rea's only school, Trip15 Academy, for many years; and16 WHEREAS, in 1873, the church erected a wooden structure that served the congregation and17 community until a new building was completed in 1911; now known as the LifeHouse, this18 place remains a prominent fixture on the campus today; and19 WHEREAS, in 2001, a new sanctuary was constructed on the north end of the campus to20 accommodate the church's growing membership and evolving needs; and21 WHEREAS, the church's current pastor, Dr. Chris Alexander, was called to lead the church22 in 2018, and he continues to shepherd the congregation alongsid e his wife, Meredith, and23 their children, Landry and Amelia; and 24 WHEREAS, the congregation of this church has compiled an unpara lleled record of25 constructive, compassionate, and humanitarian service that it d emonstrates daily through26 open minds, open hearts, and open doors; and27 WHEREAS, the members of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church have a sincere desire to serve28 the Lord and are wholeheartedly committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and 29 WHEREAS, the story of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church is one of triumph through the grace30 and sustaining power of God, and it stands as an immovable witn ess to the truth that God31 keeps His promise; and 32 H. R. 1128 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0690 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God’s message33 of peace and love be recognized and congratulated for its innumerable good works rendered34 on behalf of persons in need.35 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that36 the members of this body recognize the rich history of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church,37 commend its 175 years of dedicated service to the Lord and community, and extend warmest38 best wishes for its continued growth and success.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to41 Chestnut Grove Baptist Church.42 H. R. 1128 - 3 -