Privileged Resolution 010029

..Title Congratulating Reverend Jesse F. Anderson, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement for his forty years of service in the Episcopal Church of America. ..Body WHEREAS, Jesse F. Anderson, Jr. was born in New York City, reared and educated in Philadelphia graduating from Lincoln University and the General Theological Seminary; and WHEREAS, Reverend Anderson has served parishes in the Diocese of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Connecticut; and WHEREAS, In 1991, Reverend Anderson returned to Philadelphia to serve as the 16th Rector of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas where his father, Jesse, Sr., had served as the 14th Rector; and WHEREAS, St. Thomas is the oldest congregation of African descent in the Episcopal Church; and WHEREAS, As the Rector of St. Thomas, Reverend Anderson has brought forth a parish renewal through an emphasis on spiritual development, evangelism, stewardship and lay ministry; and WHEREAS, Reverend Anderson has also served the National Church as the Regional Coordinator for Evangelism; he has been the National President of the Union of Black Episcopalians; and, he is presently the Convener of the Black Clericus in the Diocese of Pennsylvania; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate Reverend Jesse F. Anderson, Jr. for his forty years of service as an ordained deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church of America; and RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Anderson on the occasion of his retirement at his Farewell Celebration on February 18, 2001 as a symbol of this legislative's body gratitude for his dedication to his parish, community and family. ..End