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WHEREAS, On May 4, 1974, Bishop Vincent Leonard ordained 23 priests at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland and Father David H. Taylor was among the 23 men. Father Taylor is the first African American priests in the diocese. Early in his ministry journey, Father Taylor worked under noted African American Priest, Father George Clements of Chicago, who was his early mentor and;
WHEREAS, on his way to priesthood, Father Taylor earned a Master of Divinity degree at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also studied at the Chicago Center for Black Religious Studies and completed a Master of Arts degree in theology from Duquesne University;
WHEREAS, Father Taylor was made pastor of Holy Rosary Parish and school in 1986 during his tenure beginning in 1974 through the early 1990’s, the parish and school were staffed by the religious community and dedicated lay teachers. As the diocese shifted in the 1990’s, Holy Rosary continued its mission by primarily serving economically disadvantaged African American students. This was made possible by the Extra Mile Educational Foundation and;
WHEREAS, Father Taylor is very proud of his supportive role in education. His work includes Holy Rosary School (which closed in 2010 following its 100th anniversary) and St. James School in Wilkinsburg-both schools have since merged into Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy in Wilkinsburg. Father Taylor has always believed that ministers must serve “in and among the community.” and;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the Nov. 22nd, 2025, to be “Father David H. Taylor Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.