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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING Hermon Baptist Church ON THEIR 125th Anniversary
WHEREAS, On Sunday, October 27, 2013, Hermon Baptist Church is celebrating its' 125th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Hermon Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist Church on the north side of Chicago, it began in 1887 as a singing group of thirteen dedicated African American domestic workers, residing and working on Chicago's Gold Coast, with the desire to worship with other African American Christians; and
WHEREAS, Initially the nomadic church members would travel by foot or buggy to the south side to worship with other Christians of color but the weekly ventures became arduous and the group began holding services in various locations closer to home. Growing weary with the location changes in 1902, they moved into their current site at 1754 N. Clark Street; and
WHEREAS, The Hermon Baptist Church 125th year Anniversary celebration includes a walk-a-thon from its north side home to the Olivet Baptist church on the south side to commemorate how the church journey and the impetus began, it will culminate in a morning worship service. However, it is their Christian service that distinguishes the church as an important spiritual anchor, a vital resource to those in need and they will continue to serve the community for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, There have been a number of distinguished and well respected ministers at Hermon Baptist Church leading the church along the path of Bible study, prayer, and the Christian calling of missionary work. Today Reverend Keith L. Edwards provides the pastoral leadership for this flock; and
WHEREAS, The community surrounding the Hermon Baptist Church has experienced exponential gentrification over the last 125 years, the congregation continues to personify Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain"; and
WHEREAS, it is the custom of the Cook County Board to pay tribute to the dedicated members of Exemplary organizations, who have given unselfishly of themselves, their time, and their talents to perpetuate the public good.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the more than five million residents of Cook County, do hereby commend the Hermon Baptist Church on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Church's founding and we thank them for their many contributions to the Chicago community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the Hermon Baptist Church.
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