LATE                                                              ADOPTED – OCTOBER 13, 2009

                                    Agenda Item No. 42

Introduced by the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION HONORING UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

RESOLUTION #09-350

WHEREAS, Union Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest African American Church established in the City of Lansing, Michigan, is approaching its’ 100^th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Union was established in 1909 by a small group of worshippers meeting in a living room, which later moved its worship services to a small building on the corner of West Main and Division Streets in Lansing; and

WHEREAS, the Reverend H.C. Randolph of Columbus, Ohio was called to serve as the first pastor for Union Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, there have been many distinguished men to serve as pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church since that time, including Reverend G.W. Carr, Reverend, J.G. Bruce, Reverend. S.L. Johnson, Reverend Norris Jackson, Reverend Joel L. King (uncle of Dr. Martin Luther King), and Reverend Charles J. Patterson; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Patterson served as pastor of Union for 27 years, and ushered the church into the modern era, during his tenure, many programs were initiated that increased involvement from members and the community that remain today; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Melvin T. Jones has served as the pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church since 1985, and under his leadership, the church has grown spiritually, increased in membership to over 700 members, and developed new ministries to serve the various and diverse needs of the congregation, and the community; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Union Missionary Baptist Church has developed an enviable reputation for service, praying, singing, preaching and teaching the Word of God, and in continuation of all its’ ministries host special programs throughout the incoming year to  celebrate this landmark.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby congratulate Union Missionary Baptist Church on the event of their Centennial Celebration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board extends its best wishes to Union Missionary Baptist Church for continued service to the residents of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, and urges all residents to join the Board in congratulating them on this historic milestone.