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Lima City Council adopts resolution honoring the late Reverend Austin Lewis Jr.
Summary
After initial delay due to absences, Lima City Council adopted Resolution 10-25 on first reading to memorialize Reverend Austin Lewis Jr. and extend condolences; community members from Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church accepted the resolution.
Lima City Council returned to a previously introduced measure and on a subsequent roll-call vote adopted Resolution 10-25 on first reading to memorialize the late Reverend Austin Lewis Jr. and extend condolences to his family and congregation.
The resolution, read during the meeting, recounted Reverend Lewis's ministry (studies at American Baptist College, pastoral service in Dayton and longtime service in Lima including leadership of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church) and recognized awards given by the Black Ministers Alliance for decades of service. Several council members and members of the community offered tributes describing Reverend Lewis as a spiritual leader and singer who provided counsel to civic leaders.
Council president Jamie Nixon presented the framed resolution to representatives of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, who thanked the council. The council first paused consideration earlier in the meeting because some members were absent; later, after returning to the item, the council adopted the resolution on a 6–0 roll-call vote.
Why it matters: The resolution records the council's formal condolences and recognition of a local faith leader whose ministry the council said had a multidecade impact on the Lima community.
Next steps: Resolution 10-25 will move to second reading as needed for final adoption procedures (the council indicated it will carry the item forward per council rules).
