RESOLUTION HONORING RHEMA WORD CHURCH ON
50th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Rhema Word Church, in the Austin neighborhood, has been an integral part of the community for decades, and celebrates their fiftieth anniversary this year; and
WHEREAS, Rhema Word Church recognizes two important milestones this year, as Dr. Virgil C. Brackett also celebrates 19 years as pastor of this vibrant, dynamic congregation; and
WHEREAS, established in. 1954 as "Rising Star MBC" by Rev. Robert Lee Griffin and his wife Bertha, the church originally held services in the residence of Revered Griffin; and
WHEREAS, from humble beginnings till now, the congregation has grown and the world around the community has changed, but the church's commitment to salvation, guidance, and a firm belief in God's power has stayed constant; and
WHEREAS, this church has seen many families come together for joyous occasions, from weddings to baptisms, as well as somber occasions, such as funerals. However, regardless of the milestone, the church has provided a place for members to come together with joy or with grief, supporting one another and accepting and understanding the will of God together; and
WHEREAS, Rhema Word Church has always brought people together through faith by providing a spiritual home, but has also enriched the community with education, economic development, and enrichment programs, truly committed to the advancement of the people of the community as a whole; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this tenth day of September 2014, do hereby extend our warmest congratulations to the Rhema Word Church on their fiftieth anniversary, and asks the entire city of Chicago and 37th Ward community to join in the celebration of this joyous occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Rhema Word Church and Dr. Virgil C. Brackett.