WHEREAS, In 1961, 10 members came together in a prayer meeting under the leadership of the late Rev. Benjamin Salters and Mrs. Essie Salters and organized The Deliverance Evangelistic Church; and
WHEREAS, The fellowship rapidly outgrew their residence and moved to a building at the corner of 25th and Jefferson Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, From the beginning, Deliverance Evangelistic Church was led by the late Rev. Benjamin Smith, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Before 1961 had come to an end, Deliverance had grown to such a degree that the congregation decided they needed to be established as a church and to move into a new larger facility; and
WHEREAS, Not long after the church was organized, Deliverance moved into a larger facility at 22nd Street and Columbia Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The emphasis and efforts of the members were directed towards street evangelism and multitudes accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior; and
WHEREAS, Deliverance attributes their move in 1963 to the vacant theater with a seating capacity of 900 to the fruits of the street evangelism; and
WHEREAS, On May 13, 1973, the first worship service was held in its former location at 4732 North Broad Street, which was reconstructed to accommodate 3,000 seats and included several closed circuit television rooms that allowed the overflowing crowds to participate in the service; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, August 30, 1992, Deliverance Evangelistic family dedicated a new edifice, and educational facility at 2001 W. Lehigh Ave, which seats 5,100 people and was dedicated to the work of the Lord; and
WHEREAS, In March 2002, Pastor Benjamin Smith Sr. went home to be with the Lord, however the vision continues to be carried out by Pastor Glen Spaulding.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council Hereby Recognize, Honor, And Celebrate The Deliverance Evangelistic Church - For Their Strong presence and Dedicated service to the Community - On The Occasion Of Their 50th Anniversary: 2011.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Glen Spaulding, Senior Pastor of Deliverance Evangelistic Church as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
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