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WHEREAS, in the 1970's Bishop Michael A. Dickerson began his academic journey of secular and religious training at The Ohio State University, Southern Theological Seminary, Titus Bible Institute, Freedom Bible College and additional studies at the University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Dickerson, now licensed as a Baptist preacher, served his tutorial under his father in the ministry, Reverend L. C. Brown. With faith and guidance Bishop Dickerson preached throughout the City of Pittsburgh and eventually was called to be the Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Bellaire, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, it was not too long before the City of Pittsburgh invited this talented preacher to return. The South Hills Baptist Church called Bishop Dickerson to pastor their congregation in 1982. As pastor of South Hills, Bishop Dickerson became a denominational force serving as president of the Baptist Conference; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Dickerson has used his versatile talents in many ways throughout the City of Pittsburgh. He served as a board member of Mayor Sophie Maslof's Commission on Families, as a member of the Progressive Baptist Caucus, Allegheny Union Baptist Association, and was also featured as a character in the Haywood Giles book "Out of My Tree"; and
WHEREAS, ironically in 1993 Bishop Dickerson was asked to return to his hometown and take the middle chair of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. After five years of expanding his ministry, Bishop Dickerson was appointed to be a member of the College of Bishops and Presiding Bishop and Establishmentarian of Full Gospel Baptist Churches in West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Dickerson has lead Ebenezer to new heights. Older members have no need to climb, students have a library and classrooms, chefs and cooks have two kitchens, the administration has four offices, infants have a nursery, choirs have a space for musical inspiration, and the people have a beautiful place to worship.
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Now, Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby celebrate and commend Bishop Michael A. Dickerson for his many years of commitment to the ministry, and his relentless dedication to our communities; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim Sunday, June 6, 2010, to be designated, "Bishop Michael A. Dickerson" day in the City of Pittsburgh.