Title
Proclamation celebrating the 140th anniversary of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church and the retirement of the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Monroe.
Body
WHEREAS, for the past 140 years, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church has been serving the residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Grace Church was founded in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1868 after congregants petitioned the Presbytery to open a church for African-American congregants and is currently located at 1000 Bryn Mawr Road; and
WHEREAS, under the initial leadership of the Reverend Henry Harland Garnet and the subsequent leadership of the Reverend Harold Tolliver, the late Reverend Dr. Leroy Patrick, the Reverend Samuel George, and the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Monroe, Grace Church's reach has developed considerably throughout the past 140 years; and
WHEREAS, Grace Church's outreach ministry is one to be emulated, with its affiliation with the After School Tutorial and Enrichment Program (A-STEP) and its association with the Schenley Heights Community Development Program, both of which serve more and hundreds of children each year; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Grace Church sponsors United Teens on a Mission (UTOM), FRESH, and a multitude of bible studies and gender-specific programs; and
WHEREAS, in celebration of its 140th anniversary and in honor of the retirement of current pastor the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Monroe, Grace Church has coordinated a number of events that began with a community day on August 9, 2008, and which will culminate with a special worship service on November 16, 2008;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council joins with Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church in celebrating your 140th anniversary and the retirement of your beloved pastor, the Reverend Dr. Johnnie Monroe. Furthermore, we wish you continued success throughout your next 140 years of faith and service.