RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2026
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners honoring the elevation of Pastor John F. Harrell to the office of Bishop
Body
WHEREAS, Pastor John F. Harrell, born April 11, 1971, and a lifelong resident of Chicago, Illinois, has faithfully answered God’s call to ministry, dedicating decades of his life to strengthening faith communities, uplifting the brokenhearted, and serving humanity with unwavering devotion; and
WHEREAS, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Pastor John F. Harrell was elevated to the sacred office of Bishop-continuing the remarkable legacy of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, and marking a new chapter in a life devoted to God’s work; and
WHEREAS, Bishop John F. Harrell has demonstrated exemplary servant leadership through his guidance of Proviso Missionary Baptist Church in Maywood and Chicago Northside New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, shepherding congregations with wisdom, fostering spiritual growth, and implementing ministries that meet both the spiritual and practical needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, his ministry extends beyond the walls of the church through the co-founding and presidency of the Black Men United Foundation, a transformative organization with 37 chapters nationwide, providing relief, empowerment, and resources that combat violence, hunger, and economic inequities, serving millions across the country; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harrell’s humanitarian leadership has brought hope and restoration in times of crisis, delivering aid to communities affected by natural disasters, public emergencies, and global hardships, demonstrating a life committed to God’s command to love and serve others; and
WHEREAS, through visionary community development initiatives, Bishop Harrell has strengthened neighborhoods, created pathways for opportunity, and embodied the integration of spiritual guidance with tangible societal impact; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, proudly honor and celebrate Pastor John F. Harrell’s elevation to the sacred office of Bishop; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Bishop John F. Harrell.
Dated: March 19, 2026