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Type:
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Resolution
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Status:
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Adopted
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Intro date:
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1/17/2018
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Current Controlling Legislative Body:
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Title:
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Gratitude extended to Reverend Dr. Lawrence J. Clark II for commitment and contributions to Saint Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church community
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Attachments:
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1. R2018-24.pdf
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A City Council Resolution Honoring Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II
WHEREAS, On behalf oi" the citizens of" die 8di Ward of die City of" Chicago, it is widi pleasure that the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward dedicates tliis resolution in honor of the tireless work, commitment and extensive professional accomplishments ofthe Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II, Senior Pastor of die St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church; and
WHEREAS, This august body, the Chicago City Council has been informed of these honorable accomplishments by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8* Ward; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, TJ is a pastorally passionate, spirit filled, faidiful man of God, who is well-known and widely respected, unashamedly African American and unapologetically Lutheran. Bom in San Francisco, California to Mae and the late Lawrence R. Clark on Sept 5, lie was named al ter his paternal grandfather, Lawrence James Clark, I. He is married to the First Lady of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mrs. Darlene C. Clark, and they arc the proud, loving parents of four (4) children: Jessica, Mariah, Jeremiah and Isaiah Clark; and
WHEREAS, In particular, I Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the city's 8th Ward, would like to acknowledge the dedicated leadership, exceptional evangelical vision and missionary work done by Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II over the years during his pastorate ol' St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. Not only was he instrumental in providing die congregation widi various levels of leadership during several transformative periods, he grcady contributed to die spread of an activist model of Christianity dirough intensive community outreach and service throughout the 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, TJ has dedicated his life to the pursuit ol" educational, professional excellence and service lo God. A graduate of Lowell High School in San Francisco, and die City College of San Francisco, he played football on the 1983 Championship Team, serving as a Team Co-Captain. He earned a B.A. in U.S. History from San Francisco Stale University, teaching physical education and coaching Football and Wrcsding al the High School and Collegiate levels, while achieving an advanced M.A. degree in Physical Education. He's a longtime volunteer wrestling coach at Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Upon hearing the call of Christ, Rev. Dr. Clark entered seminary, and also earned an M.Div. Previously serving as die Executive Director of die L.T.C.A. (Ludieran Theological Center in Adanta) on the historic ITC Campus, Rev. Dr. Clark has held several other ministerial positions. The recipient of numerous awards, accolades and honors, he has served and continues to serve on several governing boards, committees, organizations throughout Chicago. Rev. Dr. Clark also serves as a chaplain with the (CFD) Chicago Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, while reflecting upon diis remarkable legacy of spiritual achievement and academic excellence, wc are pleased to recognize, congratulate and honor Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, U for the attainment of one ol his latest and most revered professional accomplishments - the successful completion of a D.Min. (Doctorate of Ministry) Degree at the historic I.TC. (Interdenominational Theological Center) in Adanta, Georgia, where he graduated on May 13, 2017 with honors; and
"WHEREAS. Under die mantle of his strong, selfless spiritual guidance and leadership, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II has successfully led the congregation of St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 655 East 88* Street in Chicago to be good, engaged and faithful witnesses ofthe Gospel of Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, he has served and continues to serve on several governing boards, committees, organizations and as a chaplain Midi the Chicago Five Department (CFD). As he celebrates diis milestone accomplishment, lie also never forgets the importance of working diligently to share the good news of a proud legacy, despite persistent challenges to die strong cultural traditions in die African-American community, to insure diat die powerful identity of hard work and faidiful service are never ignored, trivialized or suppressed; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark's reputation for his abiding faith, fairness, spiritual integrity and ability to lead others to Christ has grown exponentially. Ordained on September 10, 1995. he has served in several positions widiin die Evangelical Lutheran Church.in America (ELCA), and is also revered by his congregation and many in die greater Chicago Ludieran denomination for his deep personal concern and commitment, first to his beloved church and dien to die overall community. He is further respected for his unique ability to establish lasting relationships with virtually everyone he encounters; and
Ward and Chairman of die Committee
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A Harris, Alderman of thte 8*
on Committees, Rules and Ethics, has encouraged the Chicago City Council to salute Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, JJ and his exemplary achievements and accomplishments; now, therefore,
THEREFORE Be It Resolved, That we, die Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gadiered here this Seventeenth day of January 2018 A.D., do hereby salute Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II for
the spiritual inspiration and confidence dial he has instilled in die lives of hundreds of his loyal church members who participate annually in church and community-based programs, and extend to this outstanding citizen our very best wishes for continuing professional success and spiritual fulfillment.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. dark, TJ as a token of our gratitude and esteem.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS! Alderman- 8th Ward
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