Title
To honor and recognize the members of First English Lutheran Church on the celebration of their 160th anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, it has been 160 years since Professor W.F. Lehman and his original twenty-seven congregants gathered to form the church that today is located at the corner of 22nd and Main; and
WHEREAS, "In the city for good," has been the motto and philosophy of First English Lutheran Church since its inception on January 29th, 1848; and
WHEREAS, 160 years ago, the congregation began to worship in English rather than German, so that they could better share the Gospel and their faith with their adopted city; and
WHEREAS, since that day, 160 years ago, First English has been a beacon of hope, a positive force for community action, a tireless advocate for social justice, and a shining example of God's love in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, in 1961, under the leadership of Reverend Leopold W. Bernhard, First English created a Neighborhood Center which was the first social service of its kind in the community to offer educational assistance and craft programs to neighbors of all ages; and
WHEREAS, for many years the church has worked steadfastly towards an integrated community as many members were active in the civil rights movement including Reverend Bernhard who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King; and
WHEREAS, "In the city for good" now takes on new meaning as First English Lutheran Church heads into its 160th year. There has been significant progress in the neighborhood the past ten years and the church's ministry has started to grow through economic development, a new influx of money and prosperity and a renewed sense of community; and
WHEREAS, now, in 2008, 160 years after its founding, First English Lutheran Church has vowed to serve God and its community through Christ's love and teaching; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we hereby honor and recognize the members of First English Lutheran Church on the celebration of their 160th anniversary.