HLfcDOFFICE OF THE CITY Gth-Rh
OAKLAND
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Approved as to Form and Legality
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City Attorney’s Office
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
89192RESOLUTION NO. C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL FIFE
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PASTOR
GILLETTE O. JAMES AND RECOGNIZING HIS NEARLY 50 YEARS
OF SERVICE AS PASTOR OF BETH EDEN CHURCH AND HIS
COMMITTED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY IN WEST OAKLAND
AND BEYOND
WHEREAS, Pastor Gillette 0. James served as pastor of Beth Eden Church (1183 10th Street in West Oakland), the oldest Black Baptist congregation in all of Alameda County, for more than 46 years; and
WHEREAS, Pastor James is a native of Dominica, West Indies, a graduate of the University of San Francisco, holds a Master of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW), Berkeley and holds a Doctor of Ministry from ABSW; and WHEREAS, Pastor James has made an immeasurable positive and lasting impact in our community; including leading his congregation in building 54 units of much needed senior housing within three blocks of the church, and purchasing several units next to the church, which are rented at below market value; and
WHEREAS, Pastor James also brought the faith community together by leading five West Oakland churches of different denominations in having combined Easter and Thanksgiving services as well as specific projects; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, Beth Eden Church has received almost yearly recognition from the National Baptist Convention for its financial support of foreign missions; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Gillette O. James recently transitioned and his loss is immensely felt by his congregation, the West Oakland Community, and the City of Oakland but the values and work Pastor James has contributed are indelible and will live on through the many lives he has touched; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland honors the life and legacy of Pastor Gillette O.
James and recognizing his nearly half a century of service as pastor of Beth Eden Church and his committed service to the community in West Oakland and beyond.
MAY 17 2022
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAO AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES-
ABSEN'
ABSTENTION -
ATTEST:
;ed
City Clerk and Clerk o/t the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
3173328vl
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