SALUTE TO BETH EDEN BAPTIST CHURCH
WHEREAS, Beth Eden Baptist Church celebrates its 122nd Anniversary with a special service on Sunday morning, June 2, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Organized in 1891, Beth Eden Baptist Church was born from a ministry of the even older Morgan Park Baptist Church. Although the early church records have been lost, it was in 1915, Deacon Henry Jordan, Mr. Patton, and Rev. Pryor brought the church to its present location on South Loomis. Previously, Beth Eden's edifice was located about a half-mile northwest on South Ashland in the then-rural community of Morgan Park; and
WHEREAS, In 1939, Dr. Richard C. Keller, Sr., from Bogalusa, Louisiana, took the reigns of leadership from Pastor Murrell who served Beth Eden for about 11 years. Dr. Keller received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Union University, and served the congregation for 35 years. Under his leadership, the church grew, and by 1954, an "upper level" for the sanctuary was erected adding more space to the sanctuary, and providing an area in the lower level to accommodate social programs. Dr. Keller made his transition in 1975; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Aldolphus Ross succeeded Dr. Keller as pastor and served the congregation for about 4 years. Following Rev. Ross, the Rev. James T. Meeks, became the pastor of Beth Eden and also served approximately 4 years after which he started Salem Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, By May of 1986, the current pastor, Rev. Craig Martin Jenkins, a graduate of Virginia Union University, was chosen to lead this congregation. Under his stewardship, much has taken place within the Beth Eden community; spiritual growth, steady membership, and a strong moral presence in the Morgan Park neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Beth Eden Baptist Church is renowned for its internationally famous and award winning Wooten Choral Ensemble, founded in 1949 by the late Dr. Robert E. Wooten, Sr., and the oldest community choir in the nation. Comprised of more than 50 members, the ensemble has performed throughout the United States and Europe; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward, has apprised this august body of the momentous and significant milestone of this venerable spiritual beacon; now therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 5th Day of June, 2013 AD, do hereby congratulate the Beth Eden Baptist Church and salute the Rev. Dr. Craig Martin Jenkins as well as his First Lady Dr. Sylvia Jenkins on the occasion of the 122nd Anniversary of this iconic spiritual institution.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the Rev. Dr. Craig Martin Jenkins.
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CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman - 34th Ward