WHEREAS, In 1972, Reverend Gray began his ministry of thirty-five years as pastor of Bright Hope, during which time he enabled the congregation to become a spiritual force in the Philadelphia Community, and the Nation; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Reverend Gray was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served, with distinction, for sixteen years; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as a U.S. Representative, he became the first African American Majority Whip, and Chaired the House Budget and Appropriations Committee; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Gray served as President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, and led efforts that raised more than a third of the One Billion Dollars that this fund has raised since its inception; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Gray's commitment to servant leadership extended beyond the Philadelphia Community to impact the lives of individuals through the United States, and the World; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it Recognizes, Honors, and Celebrates Senior Minister Emeritus Reverend William H. Gray, III on His Retirement after Thirty-Five Years as Pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church; and Thanks Him for His Extraordinary Vision, Leadership and Commitment
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