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File #: 260105    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 2/12/2026 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 2/12/2026
Title: Honoring Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. for his service, visionary ministry, and contributions to the community as Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in recognition of Black History Month.
Sponsors: Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Ahmad, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Driscoll
Attachments: 1. Signature26010500
Tittle
Honoring Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. for his service, visionary ministry, and contributions to the community as Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in recognition of Black History Month.

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WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. serves as the 10th Senior Pastor of the historic 127-year-old Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has demonstrated visionary, courageous, and dynamic spiritual leadership; and

WHEREAS, After completing his early education in the Claiborne County Public School System and briefly attending Phillips Junior College of Jackson, Mississippi, Rev. Buck honorably served in the United States Armed Forces with the 4th Infantry Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, receiving several medals and commendations of honor; and

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Rev. Buck answered his call to Gospel ministry under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith and Rev. Ida G. Smith at Rising Star Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, was licensed to preach, and later ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Duane T. Kay; and

WHEREAS, Through his "Mission Possible" Vision Plan at Grace Baptist Church, centered on the five pillars of Mission, Evangelism, Discipleship, Stewardship, and Worship, Rev. Buck has advanced a bold vision to "Return the Church Back to Christ" while expanding leadership training and youth and young adult development initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Under Rev. Buck's leadership, Grace Baptist Church has established a medical clinic to serve the underprivileged, opened an early childhood development center to support working families, created entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, sent five students to study at Howard University, and launched a pie company to provide employment for returning citizens; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Buck affirms that the Church must be a generator of spiritual, social, and economic ingenuity while also expanding access to housing,...

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