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Proclamation congratulating the Zion Baptist Church of McKeesport upon the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary.
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WHEREAS, Zion Baptist Church of McKeesport was established in 1915 by a group of Christians and it officially became a Southern Baptist Church on February 2, 1916, with Reverend John Richard Saunders as its first pastor; and
WHEREAS, the following pastors have been instrumental in the growth of Zion Baptist Church: Reverend John R. Saunders (1916-1957); Reverend Dr. James L. Nelson (1958-1999); Reverend Henry M. Billingsley (2002-2008); and Reverend Crawford L. James, Jr. (2010-2013); and
WHEREAS, Rev. Saunders remained pastor of Zion Baptist Church for 42 years until his retirement in 1957. Under Rev. Nelson’s guidance, Zion’s membership grew, a parsonage was purchased and remodeled and both levels of the two-story church were renovated. During Rev. Billingsley’s tenure, the church’s mime group and various women’s and youth ministries were restarted. Rev. James was instrumental in strengthening the church and the community with his vitality and spirit; and
WHEREAS, throughout its 100 years of service, Zion Baptist Church has trained and ordained numerous deacons, several ministers have come out of Zion, and the church has been blessed with dedicated trustees, providing stability in these changing times as well as continuing its service to the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Allegheny County Council does hereby congratulate the Zion Baptist Church of McKeesport upon the momentous occasion of its 100th Anniversary, and we recognize and commend the Zion Baptist Church for serving the community for 100 years.