Title
To Honor and Recognize James E. Whatley for his contributions to faithful service and retirement after 45 years in Central Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, In 1980, Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church under Watch Care while attending school under the leadership of Bishop Jerome H. and Lady Patricia A. Ross, Sr. There, he began to play with the Young Disciples of the Stone along with Deacon Jeff Turner and Rev. Frank Lane with Rev. James Kendrick as the Youth Pastor and sung with the Voices of Triedstone under the leadership of Professor John Anthony Johnson.
WHEREAS, in 1981, He became united with the Columbus Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) where he played with the Youth Chapter and sometimes directed the Adult Chapter under the leadership of Frances Levoyce Huggins as the Columbus Chapter Representative and the Rev. James Cleveland as the Founder of the National GMWA.
WHEREAS, In 1988, he became the Minister of Music for Triedstone (the Anointed Fellowship of Excitement). Under his leadership, he had the task of making sure all of the ministries: Children’s Band, YDS (Young disciples of the Stone, GAG (God’s Anointed Generation Step Team), Angelic Christian Voices, Male Chorus, Chapel Choir (later renamed the Sanctuary Choir), Voices of Triedstone, Gospel Hands Ensemble, the J H Ross Pastoral Choir (Mass Choir), the Audio-Video Ministry, Psalms (Praise Team), Men’s Praise Team, Youth Praise Team (later became the Young Adult Praise Team), In His Image Mime Ministry and Liturgical Dance Ministries ministered in the Spirit of Excellence.
WHEREAS, in 2013, In the year of 2013, he re-arranged a song titled; “Praise Ye The Lord” which was accepted and recorded by the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) National Mass Choir which was held in Cincinnati, Ohio.
WHEREAS, In 2018, he became the Operations Manager of the Triedstone Campus as well as remaining the Minister of Music. He loved working for the church and had a passion for designing and creating new projects for the upkeep of the Triedstone Campus as well as helping others.
WHEREAS, On December 31, 2025, he will fully retire after 45 years of faithful service to the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, “The Anointed Fellowship of Excitement”. Even after his retirement he will continue to be a servant in the Lord’s Kingdom helping in any capacity where needed.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council Honors and Recognizes James E. Whatley for his contributions to faithful service and retirement after 45 years in Central Ohio.