Resolution Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the First Church of Deliverance
WHEREAS, The First Church of Deliverance was founded by Reverend Clarence H. Cobbs on May 8,1929 in the basement of his mother's home in Bronzeville and will be celebrating their 90th Anniversary this year; and
WHEREAS, The church moved into its current house of worship at 4315 S. Wabash Ave. in 1939, keeping Bronzeville as the spiritual center of the church community; and
WHEREAS, Designed by Walter T. Bailey, the first licensed African-American architect in the State of Illinois - with an addition built in 1946 by Kocher, Buss & DeKlerk - the beautiful streamlined Art Moderne-style building was designated as a Chicago Landmark on October 5, 1994 and still strikes a stunning skyline over Wabash Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, First Church of Deliverance has played a prominent role in African-American history, faith and culture through Christian radio broadcasting, gospel music and community works; and
WHEREAS; Such musical luminaries as Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington and Sallie Martin were all once associated with the church and its broadcasts, which were pioneered in 1933 by Reverend Cobbs and his nationally renowned 200-person choir; and
WHEREAS, Engaging worship services at First Church of Deliverance have been led by five pastors: Reverend Clarence H. Cobbs, Reverend Eugene D. Dray, Reverend Harold D. Porter, Bishop Otto T. Houston, III and now Reverend James R. Bryson, Jr. who delivers personalized compassion and care to the community; and
WHERAS, Reverend Bryson has continued the church's long history of services through a weekly food pantry, Prison Ministry, Summer Youth Employment Ministry, clothing boutique, Back-to-School Carnival and other outreach events; and
WHEREAS, First Church of Deliverance and Reverend Bryson have been a pillar of faith and a leader in the community for 90 glorious years; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor...
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