...Title:
Proclamation thanking Reverend Dr. William H. Curtis, Senior Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, for his spiritual leadership and service.
...Body:
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed with individuals dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhood and the community as a whole; individuals such as Reverend Dr. William H. Curtis who has placed his stamp of character and hard work throughout the community, as both a public servant and strong leader; and
WHEREAS, for 17 years, Rev. Curtis, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, has served as the Senior Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, under Rev. Curtis' leadership, Mt. Ararat has grown from 400 to over 7,100 with four worship services each weekend. His ministry has led to several landmark events at Ararat, including the formation of a Community Development Corporation to minister to the greater Pittsburgh area and the liquidation of the church mortgage in a one-day "Harvest Sunday" offering. He also implemented a community tithe program which returns over 10 percent of the congregation's offering to the community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Curtis, founder of William H. Curtis Ministries, spiritual wisdom and influence has earned him participation in a nation "think-tank" with former United States President Bill Clinton, inclusion in the book entitled, Outstanding Black Sermons, Vol. 4 , edited by Dr. Walter S. Thomas, and the opportunity to minister in various political and community forums throughout Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Curtis serves on the Board of the Urban League of Pittsburgh, is a member of the African American Leadership Committee, and serves as Vice-President of Hampton University Ministers' Conference, just to name a few;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby thank Reverend Dr. William H. Curtis for his selfless service and spiritual leadership.