SALUTE TO DR. ROBERT C. JONES. JR.
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Charles Jones, Jr., an outstanding spiritual leader and pillar of his community, celebrates a half decade of devoted and exemplary service as pastor of this city's Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church located on South Wabash Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Since February of 2009, Dr. Jones has been the Pastor of the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, following Dr. Joseph B. Felker, Jr., now the Pastor Emeritus, after a half century of service. He has been preaching for 39 years was in the pastoral ministry for 28 years in Southern Illinois, prior to his present stewardship; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Jones received his education in the East St. Louis, Illinois public school system, matriculating to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Illinois; the Mid-Western Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri; the Anchor Theological Seminary in Texarkana, Arkansas and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Pastor Jones is the 1st Vice Moderator of the Greater New Era District Association of Chicago and Vicinity; 1st Vice President of Baptist General State Congress of Christian Education of Illinois; Special Assistant to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education President, Dr. George W. Waddles. Additionally, he is the author of two books published in 1999 and 2007; and
WHEREAS, The commemoration of the 5th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor Jones takes place on February 15, 2014 featuring the first annual music celebration at the church with several special musical guests including "God's Anointed" from East St Louis, Illinois and the Mt. Carmel choirs, followed by a 5th Anniversary Banquet on February 21 at Martinique Banquet Complex in south suburban Burbank, Illinois and a celebratory service at the church on Sunday morning, February 23; and
WHEREAS, Helping celebrate five years of accomplishment is Pastor Jones' helpmate, Creola, plus their four children, Jami K. Henry, Rev. Robert C. Jones, III, Tonia T. Wiggins and Roosevelt C. Jones along with eight grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the significant milestone achieved by this devoted spiritual shepherd and community leader.
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together on this 5th Day of March, 2014, do hereby salute Dr. Robert Charles Jones, Jr. on the occasion of his 5th Anniversary as pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and extend our very best wishes for continuing success in fulfilling his spiritual mission.