Honoring and recognizing Resurrection Baptist Church founded in 1917 on the occasion of its 97th Anniversary to be celebrated on April 27, 2014.

WHEREAS, Resurrection Baptist Church made its humble beginning in 1917 at 1000 W. Poplar Street in Philadelphia under the leadership and spiritual guidance of the last Reverend George Cable; and

WHEREAS, The newly formed Church faced numerous obstacles during its humble beginnings and overcame many hurdles by relocating a number of times under pastorships of Reverend Thomas, Reverend Winn and again under Reverend Henderson; and

WHEREAS, In 1934, the Church sought and found a man of “vision”, in Reverend John J. Jenkins who lead the congregation until he was called home to be with the Lord. Under Rev. Jenkin's leadership the membership flourished, necessitating a larger space for worship. Thus, the Church had to again relocate several times until arriving at its present location at 5401 Lansdowne Avenue in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Resurrection Baptist Church officially became chartered in 1959; and

WHEREAS, After nearly two years without a head pastor, Reverend Claudis L. Amaker was installed as pastor of Resurrection Baptist Church in November, 1969. Through Rev. Amaker's impressive education and religious connections, he championed an expansion of the church membership and reputation in the Philadelphia area and beyond during his 23 years of tenure at Resurrection; and

WHEREAS, After the retirement of Rev. Amaker, Resurrection experienced periods of relatively short term ministry from Rev. Barry J. Lyons and Rev. Jerome H. Scott until 2007 and was again without a head minister; and

WHEREAS, On July 26, 2009, Reverend Robert J. McFadden was installed to pastor Resurrection Baptist Church as has demonstrated impressive leadership and character as an anointed man of God in his spiritual walk and guidance of the congregation and leading the Church as well as the community into an amazing renaissance; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Church is to be biblical in its teaching, faithful in its commitment to Jesus Christ and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world by teaching and training the saints of God through the Word of God; to transform the lives of those in our homes, work place and society, all under the divine inspiration and power of God's Word; and

WHEREAS, Resurrection Baptist Church achieves its mission by offering numerous programs to support its congregation and community members such as weekly spiritual classes, after school programs, weekly meal and nourishment provisions, marriage and family counseling, recreational events, vacation bible school, summer camps, annual health fairs and an annual humanitarian award program; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Resurrection Baptist Church located 5401 Lansdowne Avenue in Philadelphia is hereby honored on the occasion of its 97th Anniversary.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Robert J. McFadden, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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