Presented by alderman Walter burnett, jr. on April 21.2016
WHEREAS, in His infinite wisdom, Almighty God has granted eternal peace to Elder Dr. Steve Nelson, were a Chicago native and Pastor ofthe Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by The Honorable Walter Burnett, Jr., Alderman ofthe 27th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson, a Proud Father, passionate speaker, gifted teacher, singer, philanthropist, and community activist, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson embodies the characteristics both in word and deed. His voice rang with power and authority, his knowledge of the Bible brings to life the foundation of Christianity; and
WHEREAS, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson was ordained on November 15, 1987, under the leadership of Christian Love's founder, the late Pastor B.T. Smith Jr. Pastor Nelson was later called to pastor Garden of Prayer M.B. Church in Maywood, Illinois. After three years, the unfortunate passing of Pastor Smith led him back to his home church. He was officially elected by vote in December 1991 and assumed duties as pastor of Christian Love on May 17, 1992; and
WHEREAS, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson attended Loop College and Moody Bible Institute. In 1996, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the gospel Theological Outreach Ministry in Houston, Texas. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Theology-Religious Education, and an Honorary Doctorate of Ministry-Preaching & Pastoral Administration from Agape Ministry Theological Institute in Chicago. Dr. Nelson was a member ofthe Ministers for Change, The Westside Ministers Coalition, The U.S. National Baptist Convention, The Sunlight District Association, The New Baptist Ministries Fellowship, and the Illinois State Convention; and
WHEREAS, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson has enjoyed a decorated music ministry, including recording "I Need Your Spirit "with the Voices of Love in 1994. The record was successful, earning an AARC Award for "Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Traditional Choir ofthe Year" in 1999; and
WHEREAS, Elder Dr. Steve Nelson will be deeply missed, Pastor Nelson served the people diligently, while governing with a mantra that has been professed thought out the Gospel: "It's Against the Law, Not to Love... Now YOU Be a Blessing in Somebody's Life!"
BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, gathered together this twenty first day of April, 2016, do hereby express our sincerest sorrow upon learning ofthe passing of Elder Dr. Steve Nelson, and extend our deep condolences to his family and love ones.
Walter Burnett, Jr. Alderman, 27th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Elder Dr. Steve Nelson.
