A City Council Resolution Honoring Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II
WHEREAS, On behalf of the citizens of the 8th Ward of the City of Chicago, it is with pleasure that the
Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward dedicates this resolution in honor of the tireless
work, commitment and extensive professional accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II, Senior
Pastor of the St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church; and
l
WHEREAS, This august, body, die 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, II is a pastorally passionate, spirit filled, faithful man of God, who is well-known and widely respected, unashamedly African American and unapologetically Lutheran. Born in San Francisco, California to Mae and die late Lawrence R. Clark on Sept 5, he was named alter his paternal grandfather, Lawrence James Clark, I. He is married to (lie First Lady of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mrs. Darlenc C. Clark, and they are 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 of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. Not only was he instrumental in providing die congregation with various levels of leadership during several transformative periods, he gready contributed to the.spread of an activist model of Christianity through intensive community outreach and service throughout die 8th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II has dedicated his life to the pursuit of educational, professional excellence and service to God. A graduate of Lowell High School in San Francisco, and die City College of San Francisco, he played football on die 1983 Championship Team, serving as a Team Co-Captain. He earned a B.A. in U.S. History from San Francisco State University, teaching physical education and coaching Football and Wresding at die High School and Collegiate levels, while achieving an advanced M.A. degree in Physical Education. He's a longtime volunteer wresding coach at. Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Upon hearing die 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 die historic ITC Campus, Rev. Dr. Clark has held several odier 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 this remarkable legacy of spiritual achievement and academic excellence, we are pleased to recognize, congratulate and honor Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II for die attainment of one of his latest, and most revered professional accomplishments - the successful completion of a D.Min. (Doctorate of Ministry) Degree at the historic I.T.C. (Interdenominational Theological Center) in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated on May 13, 2017 widi honors; and
WHEREAS, Under die mantle of his strong, selfless spiritual guidance and leadership, die Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II has successfully led the congregation of St Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 655 East So"11 Street in Chicago to be good, engaged and faidiful witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, he has served and continues to serve on several governing boards, committees, organizations and as a chaplain widi die Chicago Fire Department (CFD). As he celebrates this milestone accomplishment, he 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 arc never ignored, trivialized or suppressed; and
WHEREAS, Over die 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 within die Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and is also revered by his congregation and many in the greater Chicago Ludieran denomination for his deep personal concern and commitment, first, to his beloved church and tiien to the overall community'. He is further respected for his unique ability to establish lasting relationships with virtually everyone he encounters; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8* Ward and Chairman of die Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics, has encouraged die Cliicago City Council to salute Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II and his exemplary achievements and accomplishments; now, tiierefore,
TTTEREFORE Be It Resolved, That we, die Mayor and members of die City of Chicago City Council, gathered here diis Twenty-Third Day of May 2018 A.D., do hereby salute Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, n for
die spiritual inspiration and confidence tiiat 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 diis outstanding citizen our very best wishes for continuing professional success and spiritual fulfillment
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman- 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Rev. Dr. Lawrence J. Clark, II as a token of our gratitude and esteem.