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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was born out of the deep conviction that a “more excellent way” of serving the Lord is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, beginning in 1925 when a small, devout group of Christians banded together for weekly worship; and
WHEREAS, the official nucleus of Bethel A.M.E. Church was formed in September 1926 following the Annual Conference in Gary, Indiana, when dedicated believers began worshipping in the Assembly Hall of the Emerson Street Y.M.C.A., led by Rev. Harry E. Johnson; and
WHEREAS, through immense faith, hard work, and the assistance of Rev. R.H. McGavock, the congregation constructed and moved into their first permanent home at 1744 Darrow Avenue in 1941 with rejoicing and thanksgiving; and
WHEREAS, Bethel’s rich history has been steered by a succession of dynamic, faithful pastors who expanded both the physical and spiritual footprint of the church: Rev. Frank Madison Reid, Jr. (Appointed 1948). Rev. Millard F. Southern (1951-1955). Rev. Mordeau Williams (1956-1960) & Rev. W.E. Waters (1960). Rev. Wilfred Reid (1960-1964). Rev. Emory Davis (1964-1966) & Rev. H.H. Holman (1966-1970). Dr. Oliver L. Thigpen (1970-1986). Mrs. Bessie Lee Taylor. Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr. (1985-2004) Rev. Harold L. Barnwell (2004-2014); and
WHEREAS, October 12, 2014, is when Bishop John R. Bryant assigned Reverend Rosalind K. Shorter Henderson as the first female Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, ushering in a transformative era of community-centered ministry; and
WHEREAS, under Pastor Henderson’s visionary leadership, Bethel revitalized its ministries, founded the Black Methodist Ministerial Alliance, launched the Back to School Jam, Community Health Fair, and Homeless Breakfast programs, partnered with the Evanston Library for technology classes, and retired the church's final mortgage on July 31, 2020 amidst a global pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the profound legacy of Bethel has been continuously enriched by its dedicated associate ministerial staff-including Reverends Bharet, Clarence Robinson, Leonard Williams, James F. Miller, Ernie Bibbs, Sandra Chafen, James D. Foster, Charlie B. Cross, Phyllis Wideman Pickett, Arma Branch Hill, and Marlan Branch-with special honor reserved for spiritual giant Reverend Peyton B. Harrison, Sr.; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board does hereby congratulate Bethel AME Church Evanston on the Centennial Anniversary of the church’s founding; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Congregation of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Evanston, IL.
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