title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE 90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH IN EVANSTON
WHEREAS, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the City of Evanston in 1925, making it the second oldest organized AME religious institution the city; and
WHEREAS, a small group of devout Christians banded together and began worshipping in the Emerson Street Branch of the YMCA, and
WHEREAS, the lineage of the Church’s founding families extends to today’s congregation and residents, and the history of Evanston illustrates that these members and their families, as well as other members, have provided the community with civic, philanthropic and religious leadership; and
WHEREAS, the existing Church, built on its current location, in 1941, at the corner of Darrow and Lyons, has been remodeled and expanded several times in the last 90 years to meet the needs of its congregation; and
WHEREAS, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to providing an inspirational and rewarding religious experience for all people, to providing a sense of connection and stability for all people by service to the community, and to serving as a wellspring of African American history, traditions, heritage and culture; and
WHEREAS, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has been an active participant with other churches and congregations in the community and in sponsoring the Black Methodist “Watch Night” Gathering, the Back-to-School Jam and Health Fair, serving at various homeless shelters and feeding centers for residents of Evanston; and
WHEREAS, in May, 2016, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate their 90th anniversary with generations of former members, pastors, ministers, and Bishops returning from around the country for the three-day anniversary celebration bringing together families joined by membership and support of the local community; and
WHEREAS, the commandment “Be ye full of the Holy Spirit” has been a reality at Bethel Evanston, since its inception and by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, we honor and continue the rich legacy of our charter members as we celebrate “90 Years - A Living Legacy of Faith, Hope, Love, and Prayer.”; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring and celebrating the 90th anniversary of the founding of Bethel African Methodist Church and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the contributions the church has made to the citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
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 the same be tendered to Bethel African Methodist Church.end