Resolution 240391

..Title Also naming the 4100 block of Parkside Avenue as "Rev. Dr. Arthur White Way" to honor the life and memory of Rev. Dr. Arthur R. White and his service to the East Parkside community. ..Body WHEREAS, Dr. White pastored Christ Community Baptist Church (CCBC) from October 1981 until March 2020, a tenure during which he was a tremendous blessing to CCBC, the East Parkside community and the church-at-large community of the City, state, and nation; and WHEREAS, Dr. White served as President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers' Conference of Philadelphia and its Vicinity. He served two terms as President of the PA Baptist State Convention and as Dean of Christian Education for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Under Dr. White's effective and faithful leadership, CCBC housed a homeless shelter for men, faithfully and consistently fed and clothed the less fortunate, and led prayer walks for the promotion of AIDS awareness, education, and prevention throughout East Parkside and Mantua communities; and WHEREAS, He led CCBC in partnering with Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania to host health and wellness seminars, providing free medical screening to members of community. Dr. White encouraged CCBC to open the doors and the kitchen of the church for the homeless throughout the year, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter; and WHEREAS, Dr. White was very serious concerning the church's civic duty as well. Under his leadership, CCBC participated in voter registration and frequently opened the church as a polling place for elections. Dr. White was a close and involved partner with the East Parkside Community Resident's Association, welcoming the association to hold its monthly meetings at CCBC; and WHEREAS, Throughout Dr. White's pastorate East Parkside community knew they had a friend in Dr. White and CCBC. He always taught that the church existed to serve the community. Dr. White served the City of Philadelphia for four decades along local civic, ecclesial, and political Philly legends, such as John White, Sr., John White, Jr., Judge John Braxton, Rev. Dr. William J. Shaw, Rev. Dr. James S. Allen, Rev. Dr. William B. Moore, the Honorable Lucien and Jannie Blackwell, and many others; and WHEREAS, During Dr. White's ecclesial tenure, many ministers were licensed, ordained, and trained for the ministry. Dr. White has many sons and daughters throughout the City, state, and nation. He believed strongly in ministry education and preparation for himself and others. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from McNeese State University, his Master of Divinity from Virgina Union Seminary, and his Doctor of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Dr. White was a faithful family man, married to his beloved wife, Mrs. Thelma White, for more than 40 years. To this union, three daughters were given - Waltina, Kimberly, and Ashly, four grandchildren, and one great granddaughter; and WHEREAS, Dr. White's life, legacy, and ministry is one which exemplifies selfless, sacrificial service in ministry, community and family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 4100 block of Parkside Avenue also be named "Rev. Dr. Arthur White Way" to honor the life and memory of Rev. Dr. Arthur R. White and his service to the East Parkside community. ..End