Contact: Sunny Mindel (212) 788-2958
Jennifer Chait (212) 788-8479
The next bill before me, Introductory Number 536, sponsored by Council Members Robles, Golden, O'Donovan and Abel, would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Fennell Street," to Moore Street between Bushwick Avenue and White Street, in Brooklyn.
The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Fennell was born on May 18, 1938 in Bennetsville, South Carolina and moved to New York City in 1955. In 1962, Rev. Dr. Fennell enrolled in the Manhattan Bible Institute and earned a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Theology. He also received an honorary degree of Doctorate of Divinity degree from the Peoples University of America.
In 1966, the Rev. Dr. Fennell was appointed Pastor of the Mount Calvary Church, and in 1978 was appointed Presiding Elder of Liberia, West Africa, where he organized 23 churches. He was also the founder and general chairman of the Fennell Day Care Center, which continues to operate to this day.
Rev. Dr. Fennell passed away in June of 1998.
Therefore, in view of his service to his community, it is fitting that Moore Street between Bushwick Avenue and White Street in Brooklyn be named "Reverend Doctor Jeremiah Fennell Street."
Council Member Robles, the primary sponsor of this legislation, wishes he could be here, but is participating in a long scheduled annual senior citizens conference in upstate New York. He has asked me to give his regards to the Fennell family.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.