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Honoring and recognizing Reverend Carolyn Clarene Cavaness for the one-year Anniversary of her pastoral appointment at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church.
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WHEREAS, Rev. Carolyn Clarene Cavaness, a fourth-generation preacher, earned her formal license to preach at 15, following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents, who previously held pastoral positions at prominent churches in Philadelphia and New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness earned an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Economics, later receiving a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 2011; and
WHEREAS, After pursuing her education, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness became active in churches across the region, notably receiving pastoral appointments at the historic First AME Church in Sharon Hill and Bethel AME Church in Ardmore; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness’ service has been highly impactful, creating projects like the Bethel AME Ardmore Community Garden that produces thousands of pounds of produce for the community and facilitating various capital investment projects to improve the health and well-being of those in the region; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her community service, Rev. Cavaness has extensive experience in the public sector, working on Senator Hilary Clinton’s historic 2016 presidential campaign as deputy finance director, and finance director for New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and
WHEREAS, As a connector for many in the region, Rev. Cavaness works with faith leaders from different religions, helping create the Lower Merion Clergy Interfaith Alliance and Lower Merion/Narberth Food Insecurity Working Group, which brings resources to children and families in need; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Cavaness serves our region as a board member for multiple organizations, notably acting as Chair for Bethel Academy, Treasurer of the NAACP’s Main Line Branch, and receiving a recent advisor appointment to the USDA’s Urban Agricultural County Committee for Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Through her impactful community work in and outside of her church, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness acts as a leader in the region, positively impacting the lives of those she serves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes Reverend Carolyn Clarence Cavaness for the one-year anniversary of her pastoral appointment at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness to express our sincere gratitude of this legislative body.
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