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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-179
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 5, 2016
To recognize and congratulate Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. on his 50th anniversary as Senior Pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, and for his outstanding service to the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr., D.Min., Pastor (“Bishop Owens”) is a native Washingtonian, attended District of Columbia public schools, graduated from Cardozo High School, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Miner’s D.C. Teachers College;
WHEREAS, in 1985, Bishop Owens satisfied the course requirements for a Master of Arts degree in English from Howard University, and he also received his Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Ministry Degree from Howard University School of Divinity;
WHEREAS, Bishop Owens founded Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church in 1966 with only 7 members and now he pastors an adult membership of more than 7,000;
WHEREAS, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church is located in Ward 5 at 610 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E., and has been an active member of the Ward 5 community for over 20 years;
WHEREAS, Calvary Christian Academy has educated and nurtured thousands of children;
WHEREAS, CATAADA House (Calvary’s Alternative to Alcohol and Drug Addiction) is recognized by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia as one of the outpatient clinics to which it refers those in need of help in overcoming substance abuse and other addictions;
WHEREAS, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church’s Food Bank and Clothing Boutique has fed and clothed thousands of the District’s most needy citizens, has partnered with Feed the Children, Pepsi, and Wal-Mart to serve nearly 10,000 additional residents with non-perishable food and personal care items, including 400 Thanksgiving and 500 Christmas meals;
WHEREAS, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church’s Anchor of Hope Homeless Ministry provides life skills training and assistance to homeless citizens transitioning to established living;
WHEREAS, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church’s Health Care was one of the first churches in the nation to develop an HIV/AIDS healthcare program, and encompasses one of the first faith-based, nonprofit HIV/AIDS programs in the District and has provided much-needed support to families who would otherwise not be served;
WHEREAS, the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church Family Life Center is one of Ward 5’s community and wellness hubs, providing community access to a sports and fitness facility, barbershop, hair salon, and multi-purpose room often used by the community;
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2016, Bishop Owens will be celebrating his 50th Pastoral Anniversary and his 70th birthday at the Marriott Marquis in the District of Columbia; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Bishop Owens, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church has provided distinguished service and extensive contributions to the District of Columbia and its residents.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Bishop Alfred Owens Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. on his 50th anniversary as Senior Pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church and on his 70th birthday, and for his outstanding service to the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take into effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
