SJR 70

SJR70 191730-2 By Senator Ward RFD: Rules First Read: 15-FEB-18 SJR70 SJR70 ENROLLED, SJR70, COMMEMORATING THE BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 27, 2018. WHEREAS, it is a time of great rejoicing for the pastor and congregation of Bethlehem Baptist Church located in Centreville, Alabama, on celebrating a Sesquicentennial Anniversary, a significant milestone that represents a time-honored tradition of service for the glorious Kingdom of God; and WHEREAS, Bethlehem Baptist Church traces its roots to 1868, when the settlers of the community began holding worship services in the schoolhouse; after a week of hosting evangelistic services, the number of those gathering to praise the Lord increased to 29, a number high enough to provide reason to establish a church; the pioneer settlers chose the Reverend S. V. McGinnis as the first pastor, and he named the church Bethlehem; and WHEREAS, the first church was built near the schoolhouse from logs at the cost of $2.00; years later, it was torn down and replaced with a frame building; in 1936, the SJR70 church was rebuilt for a third time on a site that remains the current place of worship; and WHEREAS, Bethlehem Baptist Church has positively impacted countless lives and will continue to serve as a beacon of light and a pillar of faith for those within the community; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we commend and congratulate the Bethlehem Baptist Church, and its pastor, Reverend Thomas A. Conroy, and his congregation on the occasion of the church's 150th Anniversary, and by copy of this resolution, wish them success in all future endeavors. SJR70 President and Presiding Officer of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives SJR70 Senate 22-FEB-18 I hereby certify that the within Senate Joint Resolution originated in and was adopted by the Senate. Patrick Harris, Secretary. House of Representatives Adopted: 01-MAR-18 By: Senator Ward