Recognizing and Honoring the Rev. Robert H. Paul and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19 for over 15 years of commitment and dedication to the Piney Grove Baptist Church Tutorial Program and their commitment to the surrounding community.

WHEREAS, Rev. Robert H. Paul for the past 32 years has been a Pastor/Teacher at the Piney Grove Baptist Church known as "The Lighthouse of Logan"; and

WHEREAS, Rev Robert H. Paul is a servant indeed by serving on the Logan Improvement Association, Evening Baptist Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Missionary Baptist Pastor's Conference, The Black Clergy, The Philadelphia Council of Clergy, The Greater Philadelphia Baptist Association and the National Baptist Convention USA; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Rev. Robert H. Paul was first employed with the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19, within four-years Rev. Robert H. Paul received the Apprentice of the year award and was awarded a two year scholarship to sketching school; and

WHEREAS, With the help of former Presidents; Mr. Tom Kelley, Mr. Joe Sellers and current President Mr. Gary Masino, Rev. Robert H. Paul has lead the Piney Grove Tutorial Program; and

WHEREAS, The Piney Grove Tutorial Program is a 12 week training program that prepares it’s students to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Test. After passing this test an interview is granted then an opportunity is extended to that student an apprenticeship into the Union; and

WHEREAS, The Piney Grove Baptist Church Tutorial Program is open to all men and women regardless of ethnic background or education levels or having had past incarcerations; and

WHEREAS, The Piney Grove Baptist Church Tutorial Program success over the years has seen 60% minority and 20% female acceptance into the apprentice program; and

WHEREAS, Because of the Piney Grove Baptist Church Tutorial Program and the Leadership of President Mr. Gary Masino, the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19 are the second best minority participation union in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Rev Robert Paul and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19 have continued to give back to the Logan Community including the homeless, seniors, sick and shut in, Logan Elementary School, Piney Grove Day Care, the 35th Police District and Firefighters from Ogontz & Champlost Avenue Firehouse by sponsoring an Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas baskets; and

WHEREAS, For the Past 5 years, Rev. Robert H. Paul and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19, have contributed back packs filled with school supplies to the Logan Elementary School, Piney Grove Day Care, school students, children of the church and neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, To recognize the Rev. Robert H. Paul's contribution to the Union, the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19 elected him a Trustee in 2000 and in 2005 was elected to the Executive Board. He has worked as a part time Recruitment Officer and now is a full time Recruitment Officer. This afforded him the opportunity to participate in Job Fairs in public and parochial schools; churches, community centers and penal systems in Philadelphia and surrounding Tri-State areas as wells as establishing a Satellite program; and

WHEREAS, After 46 years of being a part of Sheet Metal Union Local 19 the passion and commitment continues within him: now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby Recognize and Honor the Rev. Robert H. Paul and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #19 for over 15 years of commitment and dedication to the Piney Grove Baptist Church Tutorial Program and their commitment to the surrounding community and Tri-State County.

End