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MANSFIELD — In October 2017, Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker presented a formal proclamation to two local clergy: Reverend Henry Bradley of the New Community Temple COGIC and Reverend Chris Thomas, of Diamond Hills Baptist.
The proclamation recognized the unique service provided by clergy and their families and how-they safeguard the spiritual well-being of the members of their congregations and reach out to the surrounding community.
Mayor Theaker encouraged the citizens of Mansfield, Ohio in the month of October to “show their appreciation and support for the clergy, religious workers, and missionaries whose efforts make this community a better place in which to live.”
Serving for over twenty-five years as pastor of Diamond Hills Baptist, The Reverend Chris Thomas, has an “Operation Jabez” prayer ministry focusing on the needs of the Diamond Hills neighborhood. Located at 647 South Diamond Street, his congregation has an annual “Free Stuff Day” with donations of free clothing and household items for the community. The church also implements a “Stuff the Van with School Supplies Initiative” with supplies distributed to Mansfield area schools. Just last month, Reverend Thomas’ congregation provided meals to over fifty families. To provide positive social options for the public, the church is holding an upcoming car and craft show this month.
Being a craftsman in carpentry, the Reverend Henry Bradley literally had a hand in physically and spiritually building his New Community Temple COGIC thirty-nine years ago. Reaching his community by hosting public health screenings, stocking a food pantry, and preparing Thanksgiving meals for the public, the Reverend Bradley encourages his congregation located at 338 Harker Street to “Follow me as I follow Christ.” He aspires to make his church a place “where everybody is somebody.” The congregation also regularly hosts locally-produced dramas open to the public. Just recently Bradley was appointed to serve as superintendent overseeing eight COGIC churches in the Mansfield district.
Mayor Theaker pointed out that historically, local clergy have led the community to prayer during tragedy; and, have been vigilant to prevent social vices from influencing society.
In his presentation, Mayor Theaker pointed out that historically, local clergy have led the community to prayer during tragedy; and, have been vigilant to prevent social vices from influencing society. In 1981, local clergymen were instrumental in persuading the public to pursue the two million dollar, nine-block “Streetscape” revitalization effort in downtown Mansfield.
The proclamation stated that “during the Founding Era, patriotic American clergy preached sermons on principles of government laying the intellectual basis for American Independence, proclaiming liberty, resisting tyranny, and opposing any encroachments on God-given rights and freedoms and subsequently received the name “The Black Robe Brigade” from the British who saw the American pulpit as largely responsible for American independence.”
In addition, the loss of four chaplains during World War II was acknowledged, who after leading other sailors to safety, stayed on the sinking USAT Dorchester, locking their arms together in prayer and sacrificing their lives so that others could live as the torpedoed ship slipped beneath the waves.
Locally, Richland County Chaplain Corps was formed in 2002 and serves all nine municipal police departments and thirteen fire departments in the county.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Proverbs Fifteen, “Plans fail without advice, but with many counselors, they are confirmed.”
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The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5, “Now we ask you brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the LORD and admonish you.”
