Congratulating Dr. Clarence O. Preston of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Dallas on his 40th pastoral anniversary.

89(R) HR 293 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 293

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Over the past 40 years, Pastor Clarence O. Preston

of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Dallas has wholeheartedly dedicated

himself to his calling in the ministry; and

WHEREAS, A native of Terrell, Clarence Preston earned his

bachelor's degree in sociology and religion from Jarvis Christian

College in Hawkins in 1993, and he went on to receive master's

degrees in Christian leadership from Criswell College in Dallas in

1998 and in education administration from Texas A&M

University-Commerce in 2000; in the years that followed, he

furthered his religious education by obtaining a master of divinity

degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg,

Virginia, a doctor of ministry degree from Houston Graduate School

of Theology, and a Ph.D. in Biblical studies from Midwestern

Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Preston previously led the congregations of

Goodwill Baptist Church of Greenville and El Bethel Baptist Church

of Waxahachie, prior to assuming the pastorate of Beth Eden Baptist

Church in 2007; during his time as the church's pastor, he has

provided invaluable guidance to his congregation and the wider

community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to meeting the needs of his church,

Pastor Preston has served his denomination as a member of the Oak

Cliff Baptist Ministers Union, the Southern Baptist Convention, and

the National Missionary Baptist Convention; he also holds

membership in the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he

previously served as an assistant professor of religion at Jarvis

Christian University and as a trustee for Criswell College; he is

the author of two books,
The Priesthood of All Believers: Uplifting

All Members
and
How to Make it Last Forever: Marriage from a

Christian Perspective
; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Pastor Preston enjoys the love

and support of his wife, Charles Etta Dorsey Preston; the couple are

the parents of two children, Xavier and Charisma, and are further

blessed with a granddaughter, Imani; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Clarence O. Preston has inspired and uplifted

countless people throughout his exemplary career in the ministry,

and it is indeed a pleasure to join in recognizing this esteemed

clergyman for his notable achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Clarence O. Preston on his 40th

pastoral anniversary and extend to him sincere best wishes for

continued success with his important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for Dr. Preston as an expression of high regard by the

Texas House of Representatives.

Y. Davis of Dallas

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 293 was adopted by the House on April

17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 132, Nays 9, 1 present, not

voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House