RESOLUTION

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA CONGRATULATES

ST. JOHN MISSIONARY

BAPTIST CHURCH

ON ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY

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WHEREAS, the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto celebrates its 50th Anniversary this

year; and

WHEREAS, on November 29, 2005, 1955, fourteen members met with Reverend Morgan, Reverend R.B.

Blackmore and Reverend Presentine to organize a church known as St. John Missionary Baptist Church

#2; and

WHEREAS, in September 1956, the church members marched jubilantly from 1219 Jervis to the church at

1050 Bay Road in East Palo Alto, which they eventually purchased in August 1958, and remains their home

today; and

   

WHEREAS, St. John Missionary Baptist Church has been and continues to be a church that serves the

spiritual, economic, social and political needs of its community. Over the years, pastors and congregation members have made significant contributions towards the betterment of the community, including

participation in public service, volunteerism, and community development, among others. During the early

years, under the leadership of Pastor James A. Branch, the church realized some of its goals through

supporting organizations such as OICW, Sister Gertrude Wilk’s Day School Academy, and a Community

Needs Center; and

   

WHEREAS, several pastors have served St. John Missionary Baptist Church over the years including

Reverend James A. Branch (1955-1978); Reverend Floyd J. Purdy (1978-1982); Dr. Robert L. Fairley

(1983-1997); Reverend Julius M. Sumler (2000-2002); and Dr. Ricky R. Williams (2005-present); and

 

WHEREAS, St. John Missionary Baptist Church has blessed 25 sons in the ministry and has been a beacon

of hope for many individuals and families by providing spiritual guidance and support.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, hereby congratulates the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto upon its 50th anniversary, extends its gratitude for the church’s contributions to the community, and wishes the church many more years of continued success.

 

Dated: November 20, 2005

 
 

SUPERVISORS:

  
   


RICHARD S. GORDON, PRESIDENT

     
   


MARK CHURCH

     
   


JERRY HILL

     
   


ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

     

 


ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors