Title
To Recognize and Congratulate Dr. Hezekiah J. Martin for his 20th Pastoral Anniversary
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Hezekiah J. Martin is a Senior Pastor at Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church, a veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Captain, a South Columbus Area Commissioner, musician, professor, community leader; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin graduated with a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from American Baptist Theological Seminary, and from Morehouse College School of Religion ITC Leadership Academy; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin, in 2008, was consecrated to the office of Bishop by Bishop J. Delano Ellis & The African American Joint College of Pentecostal Bishops, in 2015 Bishop Marvin Sapp appointed him to be central Deanery Metropolitan Bishop over 1,110 churches, in 2023 Appointed Vice Presiding Bishop, Bishop Neil C. Ellis; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin is active in community leadership and local improvements within the City of Columbus; and, during the pandemic, he led the distribution of over 8,000 free meals at outdoor worship services. He also lead the Down with Guns, Up with Hope mentorship program to youth & young adults; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin led the church in celebrating its 66th anniversary in 2025; and, has been awarded many honors, including, 2025 Temple of the Year, 2025 Potentate of the Year, five time recipient of Who’s Who in Black Columbus, three time recipient of Columbus Pastor of the Year; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council hereby honors and recognizes Dr. Hezekiah J. Martin for his 20th Pastoral Anniversary.