APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
_________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZACHARY UNGER
RESOLUTION HONORING BEEBE MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL FOR 100
YEARS OF PROVIDING SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE, UPLIF TING
WORSHIP, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
ADVOCACY, WHILE FOSTERING A LEGACY OF FAITH,
EMPOWERMENT, AND SUPPORT FOR GENERATIONS OF
RESIDENTS; AND RECOGNIZING THE CATHEDRAL AS A PILLAR OF DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY AND THE CITY OF OAKLAND AT LARGE
WHEREAS, Beebe Memorial Cathedral was established in 1925 under the administration of the late Bishop Charles H. Phillips and Presiding Elder W. B. Butler, becoming the firs t Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Oakland, California with it’s first pastor Rev. Haynes ; and
WHEREAS, the church has been a spiritual anchor and a vital community institution, fostering faith, empowerment, and social justice for generations of re sidents in District 1 and throughout the City of Oakland; and
WHEREAS, Beebe Memorial Cathedral has endured and thrived through various challenges, demonstrating resilience and dedication to its mission by expanding its ministries, growing its membership, and remaining committed to the spiritual and social well -being of the community; and
WHEREAS, the church has been led by distinguished pastors over the years, including Bishop Charles H. Phillips, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Bishop Walter H. Amos, Rev. J.G.
Collins, Rev. E.C. Washington, Rev. J.W. Bircher, Rev. Lindsay Rucke r, Rev. Lewis Solomon White, Rev. Lane Caldwell Cleaves, Rev. Robert C. Thomas, Rev. Richard O. Bass Sr., Rev.
Roscoe C. McKinney, Rev. John R. McCleod, Rev. Charles H. Belcher, Rev. Dr. Harry L. Redds, Rev. Charley Hames Jr., Rev. Antoine Shyne, and its current leader, Rev. Kenneth O. Miller, each of whom has left a lasting impact on the church and its congregation, uplifting the community through worship, education, mentorship, and civic engagement, and providing a space for healing, personal growth, and collective empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Beebe Memorial Cathedral has achieved remarkable milestones, including the construction of its landmark sanctuary and educational facility in 1966, the successful
2 liquidation of its debts, the development of a robust music ministry, and the continued expansion of its community outreach efforts; and
WHEREAS, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Beebe Memorial Cathedral stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and community service, exemplifying the power of unity and unwavering commitment to its congregation and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council of Oakland hereby recognizes and honors Beebe Memorial Cathedral for 100 years of dedicated service to the District 1 community and the City of Oakland, commends its leadership and congregation for their ongoing contributions, and celebrates this momentous milestone in the church’s history; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution shall be presented to Beebe Memorial Cathedral as an expression of the City of Oakland’s gratitude and appreciation for its enduring impact on the community.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, HOUSTON, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, AND
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE GALLO
NOES –
ABSENT – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JENKINS (serving as Mayor pursuant to Charter Section 303) ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
3404453/LL