March 25, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 25, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proclamation for Reverend Dr. Curtis B. Flemming, Sr.
Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Hillcrest Baptist Church will officially install Rev. Dr. Curtis B. Flemming, Sr. as its new pastor, marking a new chapter of leadership,
renewal, and faith for the church and its congregation.
The Proclamation honors his official installation as the new Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing the official installation of
Reverend Dr. Curtis B. Flemming as the new Pastor of
Hillcrest Baptist Church on Sunday, March 9, 2025, while honoring the memory and legacy of previous Pastor
Theodore Henry "Ted" Goslen who led Hillcrest Baptist
Church with unwavering dedication and spiritual wisdom
for 21 years - Councilmember Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 25, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Hillcrest Baptist Church, originally founded as First Southern Missionary Baptist Church on July 4, 1943, has served as a cornerstone of faith, service, and community in Richmond, California, for over eight decades.
For 21 years, Pastor Theodore Henry "Ted" Goslen led Hillcrest Baptist Church with unwavering dedication, spiritual wisdom, and a heart for both ministry and friendship, until his passing on October 16, 2022. Pastor Ted was not only a pastor but also a beloved friend to the congregation and the wider community, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that continues to inspire.
Since 2022, the members of Hillcrest Baptist Church have faithfully persevered without a permanent pastor, prayerfully seeking the right leader to continue their mission of preaching, teaching, and community outreach. After more than two years of searching, the church has found its next spiritual leader in Rev. Dr. Curtis B. Flemming, Sr., a third- generation pastor with over 15 years of experience, holding a Bachelor of Religious Education, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Advanced Pastoral Leadership, and Doctor of Ministry.
Rev. Dr. Flemming’s ministry is rooted in the belief that the church is not just a building but a place of preaching, teaching, love, service, comfort, and motivation, both within and beyond its walls, extending its mission to the broader Richmond community and his passion for helping the lost and those in spiritual need reflects his deep commitment to faith-based service and his vision for a strong, united congregation.
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Hillcrest Baptist Church will officially install Rev. Dr. Curtis B. Flemming, Sr. as its new pastor, marking a new chapter of leadership, renewal, and faith for the church and its congregation. Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Curtis B.
Flemming, Sr. on his official installation as Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church, The City expresses its gratitude for the church’s continued dedication to the spiritual and communal well-being of Richmond residents.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation