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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE OF PASTOR DAVID COLEMAN, SR.
WHEREAS, Pastor David Coleman, Sr. devoted his life to faith, family, public service, and the advancement of Chicago's Englewood community, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others; and
WHEREAS, Pastor David Coleman, Sr. was born on May 14, 1934, in Parkdale, Arkansas, the seventh of eleven children born to Reverend John and Ruby Coleman. Raised in a household rooted in faith, hard work, perseverance, and service, he carried these values throughout every aspect of his life and ministry; and
WHEREAS, following the passing of his father, Reverend John Coleman, in 1967, Pastor David Coleman, Sr. accepted the call to serve as Pastor of New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. For more than five decades, until his retirement in 2020, he faithfully led the congregation, providing steadfast spiritual guidance while transforming the church into a cornerstone of hope, fellowship, and service for countless families throughout Chicago's South Side; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Coleman believed that ministry extended beyond the pulpit. A gifted craftsman and self-taught master repairman, he personally purchased, renovated, and transformed a former warehouse located at 1235 West 59th Street into the permanent home of New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. Through his own labor and vision, he created not only a sanctuary for worship but also a welcoming community center where youth ministries, choir programs, neighborhood meetings, food distributions, educational activities, and countless community events strengthened the fabric of Englewood; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Coleman further demonstrated his servant leadership through more than twenty years of dedicated service as the maintenance supervisor at Stone Terrace Apartments, where he became widely respected for his craftsmanship, integrity, and willingness to help others. Whether repairing buildings, solving maintenance challenges, or assisting residents in need, he viewed every task as an extension of his ministry, believing that serving people with his hands was equally as important as serving them through his faith; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Coleman's church became a significant center for civic engagement and community empowerment. The sanctuary at New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church served as an important gathering place for neighborhood organizing and hosted early campaign activities during the historic mayoral campaign of the late Mayor Harold Washington, reflecting Pastor Coleman's enduring belief that faith communities should actively participate in strengthening democracy and advocating for their neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Coleman's commitment to service inspired generations within his own family. His legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, including his youngest daughter, Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman of Chicago's 16th Ward, whose distinguished public service reflects the values of integrity, compassion, faith, and community stewardship instilled by her father; and
WHEREAS, throughout his remarkable life, Pastor David Coleman, Sr. exemplified humility, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. Whether preaching the Gospel, rebuilding a church with his own hands, mentoring young people, repairing homes and buildings, opening the church to neighbors in need, or quietly serving his community through acts of kindness, he demonstrated that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by service to others; and
WHEREAS, Pastor David Coleman, Sr.'s extraordinary contributions to the spiritual, civic, and social life of Chicago's Englewood community have left an indelible mark upon Chicago and Cook County and will continue to inspire future generations to live lives grounded in faith, compassion, service, and love for their communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby honor the life, legacy, and extraordinary service of Pastor David Coleman, Sr., recognize his immeasurable contributions to the people of Cook County, and express their deepest gratitude for his decades of faithful leadership, community service, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Pastor David Coleman, Sr. as a lasting expression of the respect and appreciation of the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and as a tribute to a life well lived in faithful service to God, family, and community.
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