Record #: R2021-162   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 2/26/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 2/26/2021
Title: Tribute to late Pastor Emeritus Darrell L. Jackson
Sponsors: Dowell, Pat
Attachments: 1. R2021-162.pdf

MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF PASTOR-EMERITUS DARRELL L. JACKSON OF LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHICAGO

 

WHEREAS, On behalf of the citizens of the 3rd Ward of the City of Chicago, the Honorable Pat Dowell, Alderman of the 3rd Ward dedicates this memorial resolution in honor of the life and legacy, as well as the tireless work, commitment and extensive pastoral and professional accomplishments of the late Rev. Darrell L. Jackson, BA. M.Div., Pastor-Emeritus of the Historic Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago, located in the city's noted Bronzeville community; and

 

WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called the earthly soul Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA. M.Div., a great citizen, religious humanitarian, and friend, to his everlasting reward in the Kingdom of Heaven. As he departed life, Pastor Jackson recently left his earthly home in February 2021 at the age of sixty-seven years, walking up the golden stairway to his eternal home; and

 

WHEREAS, The late Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., was a native Chicagoan and a strong man of faith, family, and God. Raised on Chicago's south side, where he spent his childhood, young adult years and still resided at the time of his final transition; and

 

WHEREAS, The family of the late Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., served as the spiritual leaders of Chicago's Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago for three generations. And in the strong Baptist tradition of HERITAGE, LEGACY AND A COMMITMENT TO RELIGIOUS SERVICE, the Jackson family dynasty prevailed for more than 84 years; and

WHEREAS, The recently departed Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., pastored this Bronzeville religious institution, leading a flock of committed believers for twenty-five years, an achievement which was widely celebrated prior to his retirement in 2019; and

 

WHEREAS, Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., graduated from Hirsch High School in Chicago, and is a second-generation graduate of the esteemed Historically Black bastion of higher education, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; and

 

WHEREAS, Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., was also a second-generation honor graduate of Northwestern University's Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois with a Master of Divinity degree in Divinity (M.Div.); and

 

WHEREAS, He accepted his call to ministry and became the Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in August of 1994, following in the faith-filled footsteps of both of his family's religious predecessors - his father, the esteemed late Rev. A.P. Jackson, and grandfather, and the late Rev. D.Z. Jackson. He cherished his long marriage to former

 

 

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1st Lady Michelle (Bullock) Jackson and enjoyed being the father of one accomplished son, Maurice; and

 

WHEREAS, Pastor Jackson's involvement in the community is well known and widely respected. Over the years, he heard the cry of his people, and understood the diverse needs of the historic Bronzeville neighborhood where the 101-year-old Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago has proudly stood for over fifty (50) years, at the corner of 49th & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., followed the Lord's profound instructions, and ventured out on faith. Answering the call with determination, grace and a 'passionate pastoral spirit', Pastor Jackson has initiated numerous outreach ministries: The Couples & Singles Ministry, the Grief and After-Care Group, a Free N One (Substance & Alcohol Abuse) Ministry, Feed the People, The Sisterhood, and the 'Godfathers of Wisdom' Male Mentoring Program among others; and

 

WHEREAS, Throughout his pastoral career, Pastor Jackson's commitment to service has been based on the foundation of embracing a philosophy and mission of 'moving the ministry outside the church walls'. Additionally, he made headlines as he helped lead the effort to establish, build and operate 'Vision House', a supportive residence for families that are HIV positive or battling AIDS, and also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for over 11 years. In addition, he was actively involved in the Progressive National Baptist Convention, where Pastor Jackson was a popular ecumenical speaker, and served many of their boards and committees. He further championed local voter registration, education, and other civic issues; and

 

WHEREAS, Pastor Jackson's lifelong commitment to the clergy and Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago further equals his involvement in the community. His work has been recognized by many local organizations and groups. He was the recipient of numerous awards during his pastorate, including recognitions from the State of Illinois and the White House; and

 

WHEREAS, Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., believed in the awesome power of God, and saved many souls through the preaching of the Gospel; and currently his congregation of strong, baptized believers at Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago, now led by Pastor Andrew D. Hunt, Jr., CPA, M.Div., sadly mourns his passing while honoring his life and spiritually-strong legacy of spreading the Gospel throughout Chicago and beyond; and

 

WHEREAS, The Mayor and the Chicago City Council have been informed by 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell about the long-standing dedication, visionary leadership, community commitment and activism of the Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., ; now, therefore,

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fourth day of February, 2021, do hereby honor, and wish to express our sincere condolences to the leaders and membership of Liberty

 

 

Baptist Church of Chicago and the family of former Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., and in recognition of his outstanding and visionary leadership and commitment to religious doctrine which positively impacted the historic Bronzeville community of the city's 3rd Ward, and the memory of his dedication to excellence; and

Pat Dowell Alderman - 3rd Ward

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of the late Pastor Darrell L. Jackson, BA., M.Div., as a collective sign of our deep respect, appreciation, and esteem for his many years of excellent ecumenical leadership to the residents of the south side Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard community in the City of Chicago.