Resolution Original Providence Baptist Church
ADOPTED BY
The City Council of the City of Chicago, Illinois
Presented bv Alderman Emma Mitts on February 13. 2013
WHEREAS, in 1863, during the same year that the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the City of Chicago witnessed the founding of Original Providence Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, during 2013, the Original Providence Baptist Church will celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, representing One Hundred-and Fifty years of committed spiritual service to GOD, the city's west side and its loyal congregation; and (
WHEREAS, The Original Providence Baptist Church is historically recognized as the oldest African-American Baptist Church on the west side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The Original Providence Baptist Church began as an endeavor of a small band of seventeen committed Black people with a determined dream of personal and religious freedom; and
WHEREAS, the strong desire for independence and freedom had led them to Chicago by way of the Underground Railroad. A few had purchased their freedom in previous years, but the majority of these original church founders had willingly dropped their chains to follow a "star" named Harriett Tubman, in order to fully live according to the dictation of their conscience; and
WHEREAS, The little Original Providence Baptist Church began its mission under the name of Providence Baptist Church, at 26 North Irving Avenue as the fulfillment of the hopes and dreams of a few fugitives bravely unshackled from the indignity and indentured servitude of slavery; and
WHEREAS, this beloved church was organized under the name of "Providence" Baptist Church, because the term suggested divine guidance by GOD. Over the years, the name of the church was formally changed to the Original Providence Baptist Church, and this house of worship has continued to flourish to this day; and
WHEREAS, within a few years, the founders were joined by other faithful souls who united with them to for...
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