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 ove...
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