BySenators Nobles, Hansen, Stanford, Hasegawa, Lovick, Keiser, Dhingra, Billig, and Lovelett

WHEREAS, Reverend Gregory Christopher, Doctor of Ministry and Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church of Tacoma, Washington, for 24 years will retire in 2024 with his wife, Evelyn Christopher. Under Reverend Christopher's guidance, Shiloh Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope and service to the community, touching the lives of thousands; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Christopher was born in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. Reverend Christopher announced his calling to the Ministry under the Pastoral leadership of Pastor Lonnie Brown, at The Body of Christ Christian Church in Tacoma, Washington, in 1989; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Christopher is a graduate of A.L. Hardy Academy of Theology, where he pursued and received a Doctor of Ministry, as well as a Master of Theology. He was licensed by the Body of Christ Christian Church in 1989, ordained by the Body of Christ Christian Church in 1990, and ordained by Shiloh Baptist Church in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Christopher's leadership has reached beyond the walls of Shiloh Baptist Church. His service has extended to where the city and state need it most, providing a space for community convening and healing. He is currently working on building 60 low-income apartments on the church property while, in the meantime, housing houseless men in the church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Christopher is an At-Large Board Member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective. Previous posts he has held include being President of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, President of the North Pacific Baptist Convention, Dean of the Ebenezer Baptist District Association, President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, Board Member of the Tacoma Urban League, and many more; and

WHEREAS, On February 18, 1989, Gregory and Evelyn Christopher were united in holy matrimony. They are the proud parents of five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and congratulate Reverend Gregory Christopher and Mrs. Evelyn Christopher for their steadfast commitment to Shiloh Baptist Church, the surrounding community, and the state.