84R17376 BPG-D
	By: Bonnen of Brazoria	H.R. No. 1593

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For 175 years, families have come together to
	celebrate their faith at Columbia United Methodist Church in West
	Columbia; and
	WHEREAS, The church was first organized as a Methodist
	Society by the Reverend Isaac L. G. Strickland in 1839, and it was
	formally established on March 7 of the following year; considered
	the oldest Methodist congregation in Brazoria County, it first
	occupied a brick building, and a subsequent frame structure was
	replaced by the present brick sanctuary in 1958; in 1984, the church
	was honored with an official state historical marker by the Texas
	Historical Commission; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, the church has continued to
	flourish; the building was renovated and beautiful stained-glass
	windows were installed in the 1990s, and later, a large fellowship
	hall, kitchen, and new offices were added; in recent decades, the
	congregation has expanded its community outreach programs as well;
	and
	WHEREAS, Columbia United Methodist has benefited from the
	able leadership of many dedicated pastors, and today, that
	tradition of service continues under the direction of Dr. Michael
	Deaton; and
	WHEREAS, Since its inception, Columbia United Methodist
	Church has served as a source of inspiration and guidance to those
	who worship there, and its continued existence is a tribute to the
	unwavering commitment of its members, both past and present; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby commemorate the 175th anniversary of Columbia
	United Methodist Church and extend to its congregation sincere best
	wishes for many more years of shared prayer and fellowship; 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.