Title
Proclamation honoring Reverend Dr. James E. Simms' 35th pastoral anniversary at St. Paul Baptist Church.
Body
WHEREAS, the dedicated spirituality of the citizens of Allegheny County is evident in the success and the diversity of our area's intellectual leaders; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. James E. Simms celebrates the longevity of his successful career and his 35th Pastoral Anniversary at St. Paul Baptist Church on November 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Simms has flourished as a citizen of Allegheny County since he moved to Pittsburgh at an early age; he earned his Master of Divinity degree and his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and has furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Simms has served our area in the religious and public sectors, including serving as the first African-American on Allegheny County Council, where he represented District 10 and was the chairperson of Council's Budget and Finance Committee; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Simms maintained a fervent passion for the church and for his neighbors while dedicating his efforts to public office, not only providing his abilities to St. Paul Baptist Church as the church's pastor, but also actively participating on numerous boards and civic organizations, including the United Negro College fund, the Hill House Association, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, commends Reverend Dr. James E. Simms for his career of service to Allegheny County and celebrates his 35th Pastoral Anniversary at St. Paul Baptist Church. His loyalty and unwavering service to our County is to be looked upon with great pride. We thank him for all of his efforts to bettering our community, and we wish him luck in all of his future endeavors.