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RESOLUTION HONORING ROCK OF AGES BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 75TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARYt
WHEREAS, on September 15, 1950, the late Reverend Thomas H. Wade, Sr. founded Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood, Illinois, opening its doors in the Old Lycem Hall at 1309 Madison Street with just two members-his wife and his son-and a vision rooted in compassion, outreach, and spiritual renewal; and
WHEREAS, from those humble beginnings, Rock of Ages Baptist Church grew rapidly under Rev. Wade’s leadership, moving into a permanent worship space at 1642 S. 15th Avenue in Maywood and establishing itself as a spiritual anchor in the community; and
WHEREAS, following the passing of Rev. Wade, the Lord sent another visionary leader, Reverend Marvin E. Wiley, who brought new energy and direction to Rock of Ages, sparking phenomenal growth that expanded membership from 400 to more than 4,000 congregants; and
WHEREAS, under Pastor Wiley’s leadership, Rock of Ages constructed a new, multi-million-dollar edifice in 1995 on the original site of the Old Lycem Hall, symbolically returning to its roots while building for the future; and
WHEREAS, the church expanded its ministry to meet the spiritual, social, financial, and physical needs of the community through programs such as the Vision of Restoration, Inc. (VOR), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to restoring lives in Maywood and surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Rock of Ages continued to expand its reach with a Saturday night worship service in Bolingbrook in 2003, extending its ministry to meet the needs of residents in Chicago’s western suburbs; and
WHEREAS, in 2004, the T.H. Wade Foundation Center-a four-level, 40,000 square foot, multi-million-dollar facility-was opened, providing resources for training, education, and entrepreneurship, further cementing Rock of Ages as a cornerstone of spiritual growth and community empowerment; and
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2025, Rock of Ages Baptist Church celebrates its 75th Church Anniversary, a quintessential milestone that honors not only its historic founding, but also its enduring legacy of faith, service, and transformation in Maywood, the western suburbs, and throughout Cook County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize and honor Rock of Ages Baptist Church on the occasion of its 75th Church Anniversary for seventy-five years of spiritual service, community development, and faithful leadership in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent record of proceedings of this Board, and that a suitable copy be presented to Rock of Ages Baptist Church as a symbol of the Board’s highest esteem, congratulations, and gratitude.
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