WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. serves as the 10th Senior Pastor of the historic 127-year-old Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has demonstrated visionary, courageous, and dynamic spiritual leadership; and
WHEREAS, After completing his early education in the Claiborne County Public School System and briefly attending Phillips Junior College of Jackson, Mississippi, Rev. Buck honorably served in the United States Armed Forces with the 4th Infantry Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, receiving several medals and commendations of honor; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, Rev. Buck answered his call to Gospel ministry under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith and Rev. Ida G. Smith at Rising Star Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, was licensed to preach, and later ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Duane T. Kay; and
WHEREAS, Through his “Mission Possible” Vision Plan at Grace Baptist Church, centered on the five pillars of Mission, Evangelism, Discipleship, Stewardship, and Worship, Rev. Buck has advanced a bold vision to “Return the Church Back to Christ” while expanding leadership training and youth and young adult development initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Under Rev. Buck’s leadership, Grace Baptist Church has established a medical clinic to serve the underprivileged, opened an early childhood development center to support working families, created entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, sent five students to study at Howard University, and launched a pie company to provide employment for returning citizens; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Buck affirms that the Church must be a generator of spiritual, social, and economic ingenuity while also expanding access to housing, education, and opportunity for those whose backs are against the margins of society; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Buck’s ministry is grounded in the scriptural charge of 2 Corinthians 4:5, “For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake,” reflecting his servant-leadership and unwavering faith; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and celebrates Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. during Black History Month for his outstanding leadership, faithful ministry, military service, educational achievements, and transformative impact on the Germantown community and beyond.
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