title
WHEREAS, the Northside Church of God, located at 1822 Chateau Street, holds the distinction of being the oldest Church of God in the state affiliated with the denomination’s headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee; and,
body
WHEREAS, its roots trace back to the early 20th century when Bishop Garfield Byrd, along with wife Everlena Byrd and key members Sister James, Sister Banks and Sister Hearns, began the church’s ministry though home prayer gatherings in the South Side of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, following Bishop Byrd’s leadership of the church until 1938, subsequent pastors included elders Bishop Judge Hamilton, Bishop T.W. Wimberley, Bishop W.L. Jones, and Dr. N.S. Marcelle; and,
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Rev. Clarence Denson, the congregation purchased its current location at 1822 Chateau St, where Bishop Denson served until his death in 1965; and,
WHEREAS, the church’s longest serving pastor was Bishop Farley Ridout, who alongside Sister Gloria Ridout led the congregation for 34 years from 1973 until 2007; and,
WHEREAS, in 2009, Rev. Yvonne Burns was appointed as interim pastor and later voted in as permanent Senior Pastor, becoming the first woman to serve in this capacity, spearheading 15 years of pastoral leadership as the church continues to experience both spiritual and financial growth; and,
WHEREAS, Pastor Burns announce her retirement as Senior Pastor on March 3 of 2024, paving the way for Minister William Jones to serve as Interim Pastor and Rev. Yvonne Burns as honored Pastor Emeritus; and,
WHEREAS, the Northside Church of God celebrate their Centennial Anniversary as they continue to build the legacy of its founder and subsequent leaders, with a commitment to the mission of empowering its members as servant-leaders for the Kingdom of God;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare September 24, 2024 to be “Northside Church of God Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.