Title
To honor and celebrate the legacy of leadership and service of Rev. John Edgar as he retires after more than 20 years of commitment to the residents of the South Side neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, an ordained pastor for over 35 years, Rev. Edgar has previously served as a district superintendent and dean of the cabinet in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Rev. John Edgar is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church for All People. This remarkably diverse congregation is comprised primarily of low income persons; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Edgar is also the Executive Director of Community Development for All People (CD4AP). CD4AP is a faith-based multifaceted community development corporation with the mission of improving the quality of life of persons living on the South Side of Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, the Free Store, a flagship ministry of CD4AP, provides free clothing and household items to 25,000 persons every year. Over the past 10 years, CD4AP has developed $50 million worth of affordable housing. CD4AP operates a variety of health and wellness initiative, including efforts to reduce infant mortality in our community, and is deeply involved in youth development programming; and
WHEREAS, one of Rev. Edgar’s goals was to increase affordable housing as part of his ministry. Over the past 10 years, Community Development for All People says it has developed $50 million worth of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Edgar helped to transform Columbus’ south side into a diverse community with resources provided for residents working toward a better life; and
WHEREAS, we believe that the people of the South Side of Columbus will remember Rev Edgar for the gracious way that he carried himself and the joy that he inspired in everyone that was touched by him; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
To honor and celebrate the legacy of leadership and service of Rev. John Edgar as he retires after more than 20 years of commitment to the residents of the South Side neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio