OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
February 10, 2016
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Harris, a congratulatory resolution regarding Dr. Reverend Clay Evans.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
fl resolution
adopfd by Tlie Qlty QoUHCll
ofthe Qity of Qkicago, Illinois
ALDERMAN MICHELLE HARRIS
resented by mayor rahm emanuel on February to, 2016
BTGCIS , The Members of this Chamber are pleased to honor and congratulate Dr. Reverend Clay Evans, a dedicated and passionate pastor, legendary gospel singer and iconic civil rights leader, for his exceptional and inspiring life; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Evans was born on June 23, 1925, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to A. Henry and Estanuly Evans. After graduating from Carver High School, he attended Chicago Baptist Institute for his seminary education. Reverend Evans also attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Chicago Divinity School; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Reverend Evans has been married to Lutha Mae Hollinshed for more than fifty-nine years and they are the proud parents of five children; and
WHEREAS, An accomplished scholar and theologian. Reverend Evans received Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degrees from Arkansas Baptist College and Brewster Theological Clinic and School of Religion; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Evans was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1950, and, eight years later, he founded Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. A gifted preacher and bible teacher. Reverend Evans' sermons were broadcast on radio and television, furthering his renown throughout the Midwest and into the South; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Evans has been responsible for helping launch the pastoral careers of more than one hundred individuals, including 6 female ministers; and
WHEREAS, A role model for religious leaders in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Evans has been a dynamic leader in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, Reverend Evans joined Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., to promote the civil rights movement in Chicago. In 1971, they founded the Operation P.U.S.H. Coalition, an organization dedicated to improving the economic conditions of black communities across the United States. Reverend Evans served as chairman ofthe organization between 1971 and 1976, and he is currently its Chairman Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, A featured soloist on numerous albums of the 250-voice Choir of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Evans received a nomination at the 1997 Soul Train Music Awards for Best Gospel Album, and his 1995 recording I've Got a Testimony earned him the Stellar Gospel Music Award for Album of the Year in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Evans is Founding President of the Broadcast Ministers Alliance of Chicago, Founding President of the African American Religious Connection, Trustee Board Chairman of Chicago Baptist Institute, Chairman of Concerned Clergy for a Better Chicago, and Board member of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Reverend Evans retired as pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church after 42 years of dedicated service as its principal minister. Upon his retirement he was honored by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin during a formal ceremony in the U.S. Senate; and
WHEREAS, A man of many talents, Reverend Evans authored a 1992 autobiographical book. From Plough Handle to Pulpit, which sold thousands of copies and was rewritten in 1997; and
WHEREAS, A legendary minister and leader, Reverend Evans is entrusting his archives to the Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library Center. The archives, which consist of photographs, manuscripts, programs, recordings and awards, document Reverend Evans' 50-year leadership of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, his civil rights work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his pioneering work in radio and TV broadcasting and his voice in Gospel music. These incredible archives will be cataloged by the Chicago Public Library, and will be presented for public exhibition in 2017; and
WHEREAS, Extolled by President Bill Clinton as "a steadfast and inspiring spiritual leader," Reverend Evans deserves our admiration and respect for his exceptional leadership, tireless efforts to ensure political, social, and economic opportunities and justice for all Americans, and for his many contributions and service to our great City and Nation; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this tenth day of February, 2016, do hereby express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Reverend Clay Evans for his inspirational and extraordinary life, service and accomplishments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Reverend Clay Evans as a token of our esteem and good wishes.
