Title
Renaming the 1800 block of Foulkrod Street “Rev. William H. Anderson Way” to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend William H. Anderson for his dedication to the Northeast Baptist Church Community.
Body
WHEREAS, The Northeast Baptist Church had a spontaneous beginning on March 17, 1958 in the home of Rev. and Mrs. William H. Anderson. As a result of an election held in the Second Baptist Church of Frankford, thirty-five of its members, immediately after the election the same evening voted to organize a new Baptist Church. The next day, when Reverend Anderson, who was confined to the Episcopal Hospital, was informed of the group’s intentions, he advised them against making a panicked decision and suggested that they give themselves a cooling off period, after which they could return to the Second Baptist Church and support it fully. The Reverend Donis Myers, Sr., was the first Spiritual Leader; and
WHEREAS, Several weeks later, Rev. Anderson was released from the hospital and further advised the group against permanent reorganization. A business meeting was called for May 12, 1958 at which time the church was organized. The Reverend Donis Myers, Sr., suggested the name for the church and Rev. William H. Anderson was called to the pastorate. The first deacons were Saylor Ruffin, Hollis R. McMillian, Herman Bryson, William Harris, Edward Fleming, and William Whitfield, Jr. The First Trustees were Rev. William H. Anderson, Willie Godwin, Osborne E. Javis, Woodrow Nolan, Cleangus Mitchell, Chester Thomas, Elijah Williams, and Fred Ellis, Miss Vernell E. Ward was elected Church Clerk and Hollis McMillian, Sr., Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, From that day, the Northeast Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Anderson, went about the business of winning souls for Christ. The church flourished during this early period. In the Church’s 10th year, it had begun to make ‘Herculean and spectacular growth’ economically, physically, and spiritually. A complex of buildings that are, today, valued at just under one million dollars were built. The work was done largely by the men of the church, along with the pastor; and
WHEREAS, The Northeast Baptist Church still plays in important role in the community. When they were only a few months old, a ‘Life Membership’ in the NAACP was purchased. The church is still allied in every Baptist Movement, from the Baptist World Alliance, down to the Pennsylvania Baptist State of the Congress of Christian Education; and
WHEREAS, After the death of the late pastor and founder, Rev. William H. Anderson, Sr. on September 1, 1973, the Northeast Baptist Church had the foresight to call the Reverend Lee Mason, Jr. Rev. Mason had previously pastored the Mount Moriah Temple Baptist Church in South Philadelphia, and was the founder of the New Joy Baptist Church in the same area; and
WHEREAS, We in this Council, join in recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Reverend William H. Anderson and hope that the renaming of the 1800 block of Foulkrod Street between Mulberry Street and Valley Place, will keep his memory alive as a reminder of his service and dedication to the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That 1800 Block of Foulkrod Street is also named “Rev. William H. Anderson Way”.
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