Explanation
Title
To recognize and congratulate Bishop Timothy Joseph Clarke and Lady Clytemnestra Lawson Clarke on their 25th Pastoral Anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, In 1974 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke was called into the ministry where he served as Associate Minister at First Church of God. In 1977 Bishop Timothy J. Clark began his pastorate at York Avenue where he faithfully served that congregation for four years; and
WHEREAS, In February 1982, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke was called to be the Senior Pastor of First Church of God, of Columbus Ohio; the church had about 65 members, since that time First Church has experienced a phenomenal growth from 65 to over 7,000 members and they are still growing; and
WHEREAS, In 1994 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke was awarded, The Columbus Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award; and
WHEREAS, In 1994 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke established New Beginnings Christian Community Revitalization Corporation; and
WHEREAS, In 1995 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke was Cabinet Chairperson for United Way of Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, In 1995 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke had the first African American congregation to join Interfaith Hospitality Network (Ministry to Homeless Families); and
WHEREAS, In 1996 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke was the first local speaker for the Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast Celebration, the largest in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke is responsible for creating the following organization's:
· W.A.I.T., Women's Abuse of substance Intervention Tactics
· HAVEN, Help for Abused Victims Educational Network
· EGYPT, Ebony Girls Yielded to Positive Training
· EBONY, Ebony Boys Overcoming Negative Yearnings
The above organizations display a small portion of community service Bishop Timothy J. Clarke provides; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke has received several honors and degrees for his services to the church and to the community at large which include:
· Master in Ministry, (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA);
· Doctor of Divinity (Mid-America Bible College, Oklahoma City, OK);
· Doctor of Law, (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA);
· Doctor of Humanities, (Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH)
· Morehouse College Board of Preachers Inductee; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke has served on the boards of various community organizations:
· State of Ohio Victims of Crime Advisory Board
· Columbus Urban League, Member Board of Directors
· United Way of Franklin County
· ADAMH
· Mayor's Community Relations Board
· Chairman, The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program
· Christian Community Revitalization Corporation; and
WHEREAS, In 2007 Bishop Timothy J. Clarke and Mid America Christian University (Oklahoma City, OK) partnered to create the Timothy J. Clarke Leadership Institute. It is designed to teach and foster church and community leadership. Bishop Clarke also mentor's students enrolled in their online Master of Arts in Leadership Education (MLE) program; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Timothy J. Clarke has authored the following seven books, that minister our heart's and encourage our souls:
· Signs of His Coming
· Help for Those Who Hurt
· Bring Back the glory
· Daughters Don't Miss Your Season
· Living in the Blessed Place
· Making the Most of Your Time
· Celebrating the Family: Lessons from the Book of Ruth
WHEREAS, while ministering to those all over the world, Bishop Clarke has the full support of his lovely wife Lady Clytemnestra Lawson Clarke and their two adult daughters, Dionesha and Joscelyn Clarke; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and applaud Bishop Timothy Joseph Clarke and Lady Clytemnestra for 25 years of faithful service to First Church of God in Christ congregation and the Columbus Community.