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TO RECOGNIZE THE NUMEROUS AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF BISHOP ZEDEKIAH LAZETT GRADY TO THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
Whereas, Bishop Zedekiah Lazett Grady was born in Loughman, Florida, the son of the late Walter and Sylvira Bynum Grady; and
Whereas, he was educated in the public schools of Sanford, Florida, and is a graduate of Crooms Academy. He attended Edward Waters College and the B. F. Lee Theological Seminary, where he received the A.A. and B.Th. degrees. He also matriculated at Allen University and Dickerson Theological Seminary, where he earned the B.A. and the B.D. (M.Div.) degrees respectively. He furthered his graduate theological studies at the Union Theological Seminary in New York, New York, and the Urban Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. He received honorary doctorate degrees from Kittrell College, Allen University, and Edward Waters College; and
Whereas, Bishop Grady has served the church and African Methodism for well over forty years as a distinguished pastor, capable administrator, civic organizer, ecumenical leader, social reformer, teacher, Presiding Elder, and Christian gentleman. He served pastorates in Florida and South Carolina; and
Whereas, Bishop Grady is lauded for his service as a key negotiator in the hospital strikes of the 1960's in Charleston, South Carolina; chairman and vice-chairman of the South Carolina Juvenile Parole Board; strategist and advisor for several state and municipal elected officials; chairman of the Charleston Community Race Relations Committee; member of the Charleston Housing Authority; delegate to five World Methodist Conferences; board member of C&S Bank and the NationsBank; life member of Beta Mu Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and life member of the NAACP; and
Whereas, on July 14, 1992, Bishop Grady was elected the 111th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and has served in the 9th and 16th Episcopal Districts. He currently serves the lst Episcopal District, proving himself to be a balm and rejuvenator; and
Whereas, Bishop Grady is accompanied in life by his lovely and vivacious and talented wife, Mother Carrie Etta Robertson Grady of Winnsboro, South Carolina, a proven leader and administrator in her own right, successfully endearing herself to the hearts of the people; and
Whereas, they are the parents of four children, Reverend Z. L. Grady II, J. Felita Grady Davis, Constance Lu Vira Grady-Woodberry, and Carey Andrew Grady. Their extended family includes two sons-in-law, Melvin Davis and Kenneth Woodberry and two grandchildren, Melvin Grady Davis and Cara Leigh Davis. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly recognize the numerous and significant contributions of Bishop Zedekiah Lazett Grady to the African Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of his retirement.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Bishop Grady.
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