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Renaming the 6100 block of North 21st Street “Reverend Ceotis Pryor Way” to honor the life and contributions of Reverend Ceotis L. Pryor, the late trailblazing Pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church.
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WHEREAS, Reverend Ceotis L. Pryor, a distinguished pastor and community leader, passed away on January 20, 2016, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Pryor was born on August 15, 1938, in New Kensington to the late Oscar Pryor and Bernadine W. Twiggs, and was a proud graduate of Pittsburgh public schools; and
WHEREAS, He honorably served in the U.S. Army, was discharged in 1964, and pursued higher education, earning both undergraduate and seminary degrees from Virginia Union University, followed by further graduate studies at Chicago Theological Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Theology from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, During his time at Virginia Union, Reverend Pryor demonstrated his commitment to civil rights by participating in a sit-in, an act for which he was honored in 2007, and served as pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in New Kent, VA, successfully uniting them into one fellowship; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Reverend Pryor began his pastoral leadership at Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he fostered growth through a strong Youth Ministry, completed a major sanctuary renovation, and married his college sweetheart, Viola Juanita Brown; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Pryor became the pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown in June 1974, where he devoted over 33 years of his life, establishing and expanding various ministries including the Youth Department, Young Adult Choir, Praise Dancers, C.R.O.S.S. Mime, and the Happy Hearts, and initiating the Corinthian Christian Academy, Corinthian Square Senior Citizens Apartments, and the renovation of a former factory into the church’s administrative offices; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Pryor’s visionary leadership extended to active service on several boards and committees, including the Lott Carey Foreign Missions Board, Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention, Pennsylvania Board for the Disabled, Corinthian Real Estate Board, Corinthian Senior Citizens Apartments Board, Philadelphia’s Center in the Park, and as chairman of the Board of the Imhotep Institute Charter High School; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Pryor’s tireless dedication to his ministry and the community was exemplified by his unwavering commitment to affordable housing and programs benefiting youth and seniors, significantly impacting countless lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby also renames the 6100 block of North 21st Street “Reverend Ceotis Pryor Way” to honor Reverend Pryor’s remarkable service, visionary leadership, and profound contributions to both his church and the broader community. His memory will forever be cherished, and his impact will continue to inspire future generations.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Ceotis L. Pryor as a token of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
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