HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2002-109 RESOLUTION NO. 2002- 109
• A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH,
FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ST.
RUTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, THE FIRST
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH ESTABLISHED IN DANIA
BEACH, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 94T" ANNIVERSARY--
TO BE HELD AUGUST 18, 2002; FURTHER, PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest
missionary church and first African American church in the City of Dania
Beach, was established in 1908 by the late Charlie Chambers and a few
other faithful souls; and
WHEREAS, the church was named St. Ruth in honor of Charlie
Chamber's daughter, Ruth; and
WHEREAS, from its first place of worship in a small house on 4`h
Avenue built from lumber recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, to its present
. location on NW 5`h Avenue, the church has conquered many obstacles
including almost total destruction from the hurricane in 1926; and
WHEREAS, the members of the St. Ruth congregation, through
their diligent work and God's blessing, rebuilt the church which, from its
humble beginnings with a congregation comprised of four deacons and a
few members, has grown to its present congregation of twenty-five
deacons and over 500 members, and is still adding to its membership;
and
WHEREAS, St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church has had nine
pastors to date beginning with the Rev. Watson, who was followed by
Rev. Diver, Rev. Green, Rev. J.C. McCord, Rev. W.F. Taner, Rev. G.W.
Butler, Rev. L.W. Wright, Rev. W.C. Edcar, who retired in 1992, turning
over the care of the church's membership on August 11, 1993, to the
present Pastor, Randall W. Barr; and on September 21, 2001, Reverend
Randall W. Barr, submitted a letter of resignation to the St. Ruth Family at
a "Call Church Business Meeting." His resignation became effective on
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-109
October 7, 2001, at the 11:00 a. m. worship service. Reverend Barr,
served as pastor for eight years.
WHEREAS, on October 4, 2001, at a quarterly church business
meeting the church voted to appoint Associate Minister, Reverend Marlon
Ritter as the Presiding Minister until such a time as to St. Ruth Missionary
Baptist Church calling another pastor.
WHEREAS, St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church has had four
Church Mothers to date beginning with Mary Chambers, Cressie Williams,
Artie Williams, and present Church Mother, Gladys Barther. In June of
the year 2000, Jesse Davis , better known as "Uncle Jesse", became the
first Church Father.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA:
Section 1. That the City Commissioners of the City of Dania
Beach, individually and on behalf of all the citizens of the city, do hereby
• recognize St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church and congratulate Presiding
Minister Reverend Marlon Ritter and all members of his congregation on
this very special occasion.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution shall be personally
delivered to Reverend Marlon Ritter and the congregation of the St. Ruth
Missionary Baptist Church.
Section. 3 That this resolution shall be in force and take effect
immediately upon its passage and adoption.
PASSED and ADOPTED on this 13r" day of August, 2002
7 11
j— [1 ew:�L
ROB RT I CHUN JR.
MA OR-COMMISSIONER
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-109
ATTEST: ROLL CALL:
COMMISSIONER BERTINO - YES
1 COMMISSIONER MCELYEA - YES
CHA rLENE J H ON COMMISSIONER MIKES - YES
CITY CLERK VICE-MAYOR FLURY - YES
MAYOR CHUNN - YES
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
BY: T- 1 A-AJO
HO AS J. A RO
CIT ATTORN Y
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RESOLUTION NO. 2002-109