Title
To Recognize New Salem Baptist Church and Celebrate Pastor Keith Troy’s 40th Pastoral Anniversary
Body
WHEREAS, New Salem Baptist Church is a Columbus institution, dating back to 1909 serving as a hub for the African American Baptist community; and
WHEREAS, in October of 1983, Pastor Keith Troy accepted the call to begin his ministry at New Salem and ushered in a period of unprecedented growth and success for the church; and
WHEREAS, under Pastor Troy, New Salem’s membership grew from just 66 members to over 800 within 5 years, prompting a search to find a new home for the historic community; and
WHEREAS, that search led them to the site of the former Columbus Baptist Temple, which New Salem has now called home since 1988; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Troy has remained flexible and aware of the changing needs of the community and led Columbus residents through both times of prosperity and struggle with an unwavering commitment to those who come to him and seek guidance; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Troy has helped firmly entrench New Salem in the Columbus Community with meaningful programs such as childcare, food pantries, scholarship funds, and counseling and career development services, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus thanks Pastor Troy for his faithful service and wishes him and the entire New Salem community a joyous celebration of 40 years of success under his leadership; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council recognizes New Salem Baptist Church and celebrates Pastor Keith Troy’s 40th Pastoral Anniversary.