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St. Louis City Resolution Number 194 November 13, 2009 |
| Resolutions adopted during the 2009 session by the St. Louis City
Board of Aldermen have been converted to electronic format by the staff of the St. Louis
Public Library. This electronic version has been done for the interest and convenience of
the user. These are unofficial versions and should be used as unofficial copies. Official printed copies of St. Louis City Ordinances may be obtained from the Register's Office at the St. Louis City Hall. |
Whereas, in 1904, small prayer band of five women, led by Ella Brooks Thompson was the beginning of Centennial Christian Church. In 1905 this fledgling church purchased a building on Morgan Street and was renamed "Morgan Street Christian Church." In 1910, the church moved to 4322 Kennerly and remained there for more than ten years; and
Whereas, the membership increased rapidly during and after World War I due to the African Americans moving from the South seeking a better life. In 1924, Morgan Street Christian Church purchased property at 4400 Lucky. This was possible through a $10,000 gift from the Christian Women's Board of Missions. The name Centennial Christian Church evolved in appreciation for the gift; and
Whereas, in 1945, Centennial Christian Church moved to its present location, 4950 Fountain Avenue. The city's first interracial nursery was located in the church. The Pastor and members participated in numerous religious and civic organizations, thus achieving local, state and national recognition; and
Whereas, Centennial Christian Church gives to the annual Juneteenth Festival held in Fountain Park each year, donating time, supplies, equipment, use of facilities, energy and much more; and
Whereas, without this vital help, Juneteenth activities in Fountain Park would greatly crippled and would not take place with the same energy and joyfulness; and
Whereas, Centennial Christian Church's Food Program provides emergency food, hygiene products, and clothing to community residents the second and fourth Saturday of each month. In addition, the program hosts a Community Luncheon at the end of each month and a Thanksgiving Luncheon and Turkey Giveaway open to the community; and
Whereas, Centennial Christian Church Community Cares is a program that connects the church to the community by providing services, information, and community projects for the Fountain Park Neighborhood. Abraham's Children is the health component of the Outreach Ministry. Abraham's Children conducts health fairs, workshops, and informational meetings that educates and raises awareness of the health concerns of African Americans. The World Outreach team supports a student in Africa attending college and hosts events that raise awareness of the congregation of the global missions. Circle of Love Women's Health Ministry provides education and raises awareness to women's health issues. "Bibs, Bottles and Binkies Community Baby Shower" is annual event for first time pregnant teens ages 13-18; and
Whereas, Centennial Christian Church led the way in the founding of Centennial Plaza Apartments; the church's first affordable housing for senior citizens. In 1987, Centennial Christian Church formed a partnership with The National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish affordable housing for the low income elderly. From that partnership Centennial Plaza Apartments (1988), Hylton Point Apartments (1996) and Hylton Point II Apartments (2000).
Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis that we pause in our deliberations to thank and honor Centennial Christian Church for all their contributions to the betterment of the quality of life in the City of St. Louis and direct the Clerk of this Board to spread a copy of the resolution over the permanent rolls of this Board and to prepare a fitting copy of this resolution to be presented to the honoree at a time and place deemed appropriate by its sponsor.
Introduced on the 13th day of November, 2009 by:
Honorable Terry Kennedy, Alderman 18th Ward
Adopted this the 13th day of November, 2009 as attested:
_____________________
David W. Sweeney
Clerk, Board of Aldermen____________________________
Lewis E. Reed
President, Board of Aldermen