WHEREAS, Mother Elizabeth Juanita Dabney was a revered spiritual leader and founder of the Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Known nationally and internationally as the “Cosmopolitan Prayer Queen,” she was renowned for her commitment to praying for “Everything, Every place, Everybody,
Everywhere”; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, she authored the inspirational book What It Means to Pray Through, which continues to uplift and teach generations about a consecrated life of prayer; and
WHEREAS, After making a covenant with God to walk closely with Him for three years, she was highly anointed and told that wherever she prayed, souls would be blessed; and
WHEREAS, She traveled extensively across the country, leading revivals and helping pastors build their congregations, bringing healing, deliverance, and spiritual awakening; and
WHEREAS, In 1941, at the request of her husband and pastor, Dr. Benjamin H. Dabney, she led a revival at their church on Ridge Avenue that sparked spiritual renewal; and
WHEREAS, With growing crowds and deteriorating church conditions, compassionate businesspeople purchased a granite church at 29th Street and Susquehanna Avenue to house her prayer ministry; and
WHEREAS, The church became known as “The Garden of Prayer,” a place that drew people from across the country and world seeking healing and comfort through prayer; and
WHEREAS, The church became famous for miraculous healings, with crutches and canes displayed on the walls as a testament to the power of prayer; and
WHEREAS, In 1942, the church began broadcasting live on WDAS radio for over 20 years, reaching listeners far and wide with the message of faith and healing; and
WHEREAS, Following the death of her husband in 1963, Mother Dabney founded a new church at 2217 North 29th Street, transforming a former theater into a sacred place of worship; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, the new facility was incorporated as “The Garden of Prayer World’s Prayer Center, Inc.” with Mother Dabney as the Shepherdess; and
WHEREAS, On November 1, 1967, Mother Dabney passed away, leaving behind a vibrant ministry and legacy of prayer that continues to influence the community today; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 55 years, the Prayer Center has thrived under four successive pastors, continuing Mother Dabney’s vision of prayer, healing, and service; and
WHEREAS, The ministry honored her legacy by building “Mother Dabney Square,” a 28-unit townhome development adjacent to the church to further serve the community; and
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 2800 Block of West Fletcher Street shall also be named as “Mother Elizabeth J. Dabney Way.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Garden of Prayer World Prayer Center as evidence of the true and sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End