Rev. Dr. Alan Vincent Ragland, pastor at Third Baptist Church of Chicago for 26 years before his recent retirement, was honored by a resolution passed by the Illinois House of Representatives on Nov. 29.
The House congratulated Ragland for his accomplishments and wished him "the best in all his future endeavors."
According to House Resolution 1346, Ragland substantially expanded the church's missional footprint—the congregation now operates more than three dozen ministries.
The church has a weekly food pantry, a faith-based care network for health and wellness, a grief share, a youth development program, a Christian education program, a seniors ministry and a jail ministry, according to the resolution.
The church also now has several physical fitness offerings, college scholarships and grants and community offerings, according to the resolution.
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