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File #: 251085    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: IN COUNCIL - FINAL PASSAGE
File created: 12/4/2025 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action:
Title: Also naming the 2800 block of West Fletcher Street as "Mother Elizabeth L. Dabney Way."
Sponsors: Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Bass
Indexes: STREET RENAMING
Attachments: 1. Resolution No. 25108500
Title
Also naming the 2800 block of West Fletcher Street as "Mother Elizabeth L. Dabney Way."

Body
WHEREAS, Mother Elizabeth Juanita Dabney was a revered spiritual leader and founder of the Garden of Prayer World's Prayer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Known nationally and internationally as the "Cosmopolitan Prayer Queen," she was renowned for her commitment to praying for "Everything, Every place, Everybody,
Everywhere"; and

WHEREAS, In 1945, she authored the inspirational book What It Means to Pray Through, which continues to uplift and teach generations about a consecrated life of prayer; and

WHEREAS, After making a covenant with God to walk closely with Him for three years, she was highly anointed and told that wherever she prayed, souls would be blessed; and

WHEREAS, She traveled extensively across the country, leading revivals and helping pastors build their congregations, bringing healing, deliverance, and spiritual awakening; and

WHEREAS, In 1941, at the request of her husband and pastor, Dr. Benjamin H. Dabney, she led a revival at their church on Ridge Avenue that sparked spiritual renewal; and

WHEREAS, With growing crowds and deteriorating church conditions, compassionate businesspeople purchased a granite church at 29th Street and Susquehanna Avenue to house her prayer ministry; and

WHEREAS, The church became known as "The Garden of Prayer," a place that drew people from across the country and world seeking healing and comfort through prayer; and

WHEREAS, The church became famous for miraculous healings, with crutches and canes displayed on the walls as a testament to the power of prayer; and

WHEREAS, In 1942, the church began broadcasting live on WDAS radio for over 20 years, reaching listeners far and wide with the message of faith and healing; and

WHEREAS, Following the death of her husband in 1963, Mother Dabney founded a new church at 2217 North 29th Street, transforming a former theater into a sacred place of wo...

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