RESOLUTION No. __________, Series 2018
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A RESOLUTION HONORING REV. DR. THOMAS HENRY FRENCH BY DEDICATING SOUTH 41ST STREET BETWEEN VERMONT AVENUE AND WEST MUHAMMAD ALI BOULEVARD TO BE NAMED “REV. THOMAS H. FRENCH WAY” IN HIS HONOR.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN CHERI BRYANT HAMILTON
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2017, Rev. Dr. Thomas Henry French, a pillar in our community, retired as Pastor of the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church after 36 years of dedicated service where he holds the title of distinction of Pastor Emeritus; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French was the third oldest of 15 children born to the late Rev. John Thomas and Lucy Mae French, and was raised and educated in Louisville where he graduated from Central High School in 1951; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French was a charter member of Oak Grove where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer for 26 years; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Rev. French was called to the ministry, and after the death of his father who was Founder and Pastor of Oak Grove for 31 years, and only months after giving his first sermon, Rev. French was installed as Pastor of Oak Grove on October 11, 1981; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French, a man of integrity and honor, has dedicated his entire life to being of service not only to his church and community, but was also instrumental to the support of other churches building their community programs in an effort to keep everyone uplifted; and
WHEREAS, during his 36 years as Pastor of Oak Grove, Rev. French was responsible for the creation of new ministries such as the Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Simply Majestic Children’s Ministry, and Golden Bonds, and was also instrumental in the completion of the expansion of the current church building; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French has launched many community outreach programs, such as an after-school tutoring service that also provides assistance with clothing, food, and basic essentials to numerous families in Louisville by encouraging his church members to take the ministry to the outside community and do goodwill; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville on May 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Rev. French has been happily married to his wife, Virginia Garner, for 66 years and raised two children, Linda French-Smith and the late Dr. Leon D. French, five grandchildren, Hope, Herbert, Asha, Andwele, Ahmed and Akeem, and three great grandchildren, Angeliah, Andwele II, and Asali; and
WHEREAS, the Louisville Metro Council wishes to honor Rev. Dr. Thomas Henry French as a dedicated servant of the Lord who has faithfully continued to serve as a beacon of light to others in the Louisville community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Rev. Dr. Thomas Henry French’s service to Louisville Metro is hereby recognized with the placement of an honorary street sign at the corner of S. 41st Street and Vermont Avenue and another one at the corner of S. 41st Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard in Louisville, Kentucky, and so designated as “Rev. Thomas H. French Way.”
SECTION II: The Department of Public Works is hereby directed to move forward with fabrication of three, and installation of two, honorary signs upon the passage of this Resolution and the receipt of funds to cover the expense. The third honorary sign is to be presented to the family.
SECTION III: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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_______________________________ H. Stephen Ott Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David James President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
R-____-18 Rev. Dr. Thomas French Henry Honorary Sign (2-27-18).docx