SR1322 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1322 LRB103 43382 LAW 76711 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of the Reverend Dr. Wilson Daniels, pastor-emeritus of United Baptist Church in Chicago, who passed away on November 4, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1943, Pastor Daniels was affectionately known to many as the "Legend of Lawndale" and lived his life for his faith while encouraging others to do the same with every word he spoke and action he took; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his 44 years of stewardship over the United Baptist Church congregation and the Lawndale community, Pastor Daniels built a legacy of serving humanity; through his efforts, United Baptist Church began hosting a weekly food pantry in the late 1970s, and it continues to serve over 10,000 people annually; he also established a weekly clothing giveaway, a substance abuse program, and a prison ministry, all of which still serve the community today; more recently, he partnered with the City of Chicago in 2023 to purchase many of the lots surrounding the church, where he assisted in building over 75 homes for low-income and first-time homeowners in the Lawndale community; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Daniels never sought positions or titles; although he served as moderator of the Union District Baptist Association of Chicago and Vicinity, was a past treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Illinois, and was recognized as one of the prominent pastors and preachers of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, service to others was always his driving purpose; he much preferred to act as background support for his colleagues, allowing others to shine while being uplifted by his hard work; he was well-regarded, and his counsel and advice were sought by his colleagues throughout his career and up until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Daniels' legacy will continue through the Wilson Daniels Scholarship Fund, which is aimed at creating educational opportunities for the youth of United Baptist Church, as well as through the ministries of the many men he mentored through their journeys to become pastors; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Daniels is survived by the Daniels family and the United Baptist Church family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of the Reverend Dr. Wilson Daniels, pastor-emeritus of United Baptist Church, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pastor Daniels as an expression of our deepest sympathy.