HR572: HR572 Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church; occasion of its 160th anniversary; recognize

25 LC 112 3318 House Resolution 572 By: Representatives Jones of the 143rd, Flournoy of the 74th, Griffin of the 149th, Reese of the 140th, and Herring of the 145th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the1 occasion of its 160th anniversary; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, organized in 1865, Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has3 remained steadfast in its mission of spiritual and social uplif tment, guided by the divine4 direction of numerous pastors throughout the years; and5 WHEREAS, since its founding, Steward Chapel African Methodist E piscopal Church has6 served as a beacon of faith and resilience, persevering after t he destruction of its original7 church building in 1869 and securing a permanent place of worship through the unwavering8 dedication of its members; and9 WHEREAS, Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church played a pivotal role in10 the Civil Rights Movement as a hub for religious, political, an d social change, including11 hosting Dr. Benjamin E. Mays as a speaker in 1954 to discuss th e impact of the Supreme12 Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision; and13 H. R. 572 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3318 WHEREAS, in that same year, the church welcomed the renowned educator and activist Dr.14 Mary McLeod Bethune as the Women's Day speaker, drawing a capacity crowd from Macon15 and the surrounding communities; and16 WHEREAS, Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church cemented its role in the17 Civil Rights Movement when it hosted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on September 19, 1957,18 for his only major speech in Macon, wherein over 600 attendees braved heavy rain to hear19 his sermon titled "There is No East and No West"; and20 WHEREAS, the story of Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopa l Church is one of21 triumph through the grace and sustaining power of God, and it s tands as an immovable22 witness to the truth that God keeps His promise; and23 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God's message24 of peace and love be recognized and congratulated for its innumerable good works rendered25 on behalf of persons in need.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that27 the members of this body recognize the rich history of Steward Chapel African Methodist28 Episcopal Church, commend its 160 years of dedicated service to the Lord and community,29 and extend their most sincere best wishes for its continued growth and success.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized31 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to32 Steward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.33 H. R. 572 - 2 -