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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING REVEREND DR. TRUNELL D. FELDER ON HIS 25TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AND NEW FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH INTERNATIONAL ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, on January 4, 1976, New Faith Baptist Church held its first worship service with 67 people at Blackhawk Elementary School in Park Forest. After studying the Park Forest area, the Reverend Junius Dudley found integrated churches, but he also recognized that they did not fully include the Black worship experience and lacked Black leadership. Concerned about the community, Reverend Dudley appealed to the Reverend Dale Cross of the Southern Baptist Convention for resources to establish a church. New Faith began as a Southern Baptist mission, with supplemental support for the pastor and access to the Convention's resources; and
WHEREAS, New Faith grew rapidly and reached approximately 150 members, and although Reverend Dudley resigned in December 1978, his obedience and founding vision created a legacy that would continue for generations; and
WHEREAS, on October 12, 1984, the church broke ground for a permanent facility, beginning a lasting ministry presence in Matteson, and on February 22, 1987, New Faith moved into its permanent home at 25 South Central Avenue in Matteson with 287 members; Reverend Frank A. Thomas, New Faith’s 3rd Pastor, affectionately known as Pastor Frank, emphasized prayer, biblical teaching, and passionate preaching; and
WHEREAS, as membership grew, New Faith expanded its staff by adding a Minister of Pastoral Care and a Minister of Music, and by 1990, New Faith had added a Director of Administration and a Youth Director; and
WHEREAS, in September 1990, the church purchased an additional 22 acres, bringing its total land ownership to 27 acres, and Ministry opportunities for women, children, and men expanded, and the all-male ensemble Barnabas debuted during the 1990 revival. By 1991, New Faith had added a second worship service; and
WHEREAS, in March 1992...
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