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File #: 250933    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 10/23/2025 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 10/23/2025
Title: Honoring and recognizing Reverend Carolyn Clarene Cavaness for the one-year Anniversary of her pastoral appointment at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church.
Sponsors: Council President Johnson, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Ahmad
Attachments: 1. Signature25093300
Title
Honoring and recognizing Reverend Carolyn Clarene Cavaness for the one-year Anniversary of her pastoral appointment at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church.

Body
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 NAA...

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