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To honor and recognize St. Paul A.M.E. Church as the oldest congregation of African descent in the City of Columbus and celebrate the placement of the Ohio Historical Marker.
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WHEREAS, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest congregation of African descent in the City of Columbus; and,
WHEREAS, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Michael R. Bean, will be celebrating the dedication of a historical marker on Sunday, July 13, 2003, at 1:00pm, with various community leaders and local and state officials in attendance to celebrate this special occasion; and,
WHEREAS, through a program administered by the Ohio Historical Society, the marker will enable Ohioans to commemorate local history while learning about the state. The marker at St. Paul is only one of twelve statewide that will be erected celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to the growth of Ohio; and,
WHEREAS, the church was founded by Moses Freeman and 13 other members from the Town Street Church, which was originally located on the east side of Lazelle Street. Several buildings were erected to meet the needs of the growing congregation. The present edifice, located at 639 E. Long Street, was completed in 1906; and,
WHEREAS, St. Paul has several outreach ministries including the Prison Ministry, Alzheimer Ministry, Karen's House, Community Development Corporation, Health Concerns Committee, St. Paul's Tutorial and Enrichment Program (STEP), St. Paul Scholarship Program, St. Paul Drama Ministry, Jam 'N Jefferson Park Festival and Church without Walls.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: that this Council does hereby honor and recognize St. Paul A.M.E. Church as the oldest congregation of African descent in Columbus, Ohio and celebrates the placement of the Ohio Historical Marker and declares Sunday, July 13, 2003, as St. Paul A.M.E. Church Day in the City of Columbus.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that a copy of this Resolution be presented to
Rev. Dr. Michael R. Bean and the Congregation of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church as a token of our esteem.