RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Gatling's Chapel, Inc., an African-American owned and operated funeral parlor started by Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette Gatling Sr., remains a premier landmark institution on Chicago's far south side for a milestone of thirty-one years; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Gatling's Chapel's distinct longevity as well as its various local partnerships and contributions to the community by the Honorable Carrie Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Gatling's Chapel will commemorate this momentous occasion with friends, family, local businesses, pastors, and City officials at an anniversary celebration, "31 Years of Family Serving Families," on June 4, 2017 at the Gatling's Chapel Annex at their Chicago location at 10133 S. Halsted Street, in the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Gatling's Chapel is the largest African-American owned and operated funeral service in the United States, averaging over 2,000 funerals a year, employing over 100 people at two locations in Chicago, Illinois and South Holland, Illinois; and •
WHEREAS, Despite its impressive size, Gatling's Chapel is known as the "the family name in funeral service," and has demonstrated exemplary dedication to helping the community through God, ministry, and service; and
WHEREAS, The Chief Executive Officer and President of Gatling's Chapel, Mr. Lafayette Gatling, Sr. was born and raised in North Carolina. He sadly lost his mother at the tender age of five during World War II while his father was in New Guinea bravely fighting for his country. This devastating loss inspired Mr. Gatling Sr. to pursue a career in funeral services, and he tirelessly chased his dream until it became a reality; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gatling Sr. professed a sincere love for Christ at an early age, and attributes his numerous successes and achievements to the blessed glory of God. In addition to his dedicated service at Gatling's Chapel, Mr. Gatling Sr. has been a respected general contractor for over forty years and is a long-standing member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134. His esteemed expertise afforded him the opportunity to work at prominent Chicago landmarks including the Sears Tower, McCormick Place and O'Hare Airport. He also graciously donated his time to work as builder, general contractor, and electrician at Gospel Truth Baptist Church and Mt. Carmel Church, where his name is affixed to both church cornerstones; and
WHEREAS, The Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Gatling's Chapel, Mrs. Marguerite Gatling was born and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from Chicago State
University with a degree in Business Administration and later graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her significant professional achievements, Mrs. Gatling maintains and cultivates a deep dedication to her family and Christ. She lovingly shares the gospel through her singing ministry, serving as manager and lead singer of the Inspirational Charms and also fastidiously oversees the Gospel Music Foundation Youth Group. She is currently a dedicated member of Messiah Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Keith B. McGhee; and
WHEREAS, Truly a family business, Mr. & Mrs. Gatling, Sr.'s three beloved children are following in their footsteps, son Lafayette Gatling, Jr. (Dina) and daughters; Shirl Gatling Lacy (Lewis) and Marquita Gatling Johnson (Maurice). They also have cherished four grandsons, Aaron, Lafayette III, Dominic I. and Donovan A. Gatling; and two adored granddaughters Lyric Amani and Melody Iman Gatling Johnson; and
WHEREAS, Gatling's Chapel is a cherished community institution, a gem that continues to serve the City and surrounding areas through dedicated service, kinship, and faith; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-eighth day of June, 2017, do hereby congratulate Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette Gatling Sr. on the 31st anniversary of Gatling's Chapel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette Gatling Sr. as a sign of our tremendous gratitude, honor and respect.
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward