IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its 128th Anniversary Celebration to be held Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21379, August 21, 2023
INTRODUCED BY Venessa Huskey, DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, has a storied history dating back to 1895, when a small band of Christian believers, led by the Rev. Henry Robinson, answered the call of God and established Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, which later became known as Highland Avenue Baptist Church; and,
WHEREAS, the congregation of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, through faith and tenacity, overcame adversity and challenges, including a fire that destroyed their building in 1946, and managed to survive and thrive under the courageous and creative leadership of Rev. E. H. Branch; and,
WHEREAS, the church demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and equality by affirming women in significant leadership roles, such as Deacons, Trustees, and Ministers, including full ordination; and,
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church has exemplified its motto of "Changing, Restoring, and Strengthening Lives" by engaging in community partnerships and outreach programs, including a summer academic camp, after-school programs, health screenings, social services, and various self-help initiatives, which have positively impacted thousands of lives and garnered national recognition; and,
WHEREAS, the church, led by Dr. Hartsfield II, not only serves as a spiritual center but also as an educational institution, with Dr. Hartsfield II's role as Fred E. Young Chair and Professor of Hebrew Bible at Central Baptist Seminary, contributing to the development of future leaders and ministers; and,
WHEREAS, the church's commitment to its mission is evident through ongoing renovations and upgrades, including a major effort to upgrade the sanctuary and other areas, at a significant cost, demonstrating dedication to maintaining a welcoming and inspiring place of worship; and,
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church continues to embrace its role as a community leader by addressing social ills and advocating against discrimination, oppression, and marginalization, as guided by its interpretation of biblical teachings; and,
WHEREAS, the church's unwavering dedication to its mission and its community reflects a vision for the 21st century and beyond, to be a beacon of love, care, concern, and connection for the City of Kansas City, promoting a collective relationship with God through the teachings of Jesus, the Christ; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby honors and recognizes Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, on the occasion of its 128th Anniversary Celebration and extends best wishes on all of its future endeavors.
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Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21379 of August 21, 2023, was duly passed on August 21, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _____9__________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent ______0______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature