LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell
upon the occasion of celebrating his Seventh Anniversary as Pastor of
The First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend
Dr. Daran Hernandez Mitchell upon the occasion of celebrating his
Seventh Anniversary as Pastor of The First African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Village of Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Daran Hernandez Mitchell accepted his call to the Christian
ministry at the age of 14 and has been preaching the gospel for over 20
years; and
WHEREAS, A gifted preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, builder,
and community activist, The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell has served
congregations in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, In each pastorate The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell has
sought to raise the spiritual climate and social consciousness of not
only the congregation, but the community by becoming active in every
aspect of community life; and
WHEREAS, Since his appointment to The First African Methodist Episco-
pal Zion Church pulpit as the 18th pastor in October of 2004, The Rever-
end Dr. Daran H. Mitchell has established a ministry to men, a ministry
to women, a liturgical dance ministry, media ministry, completed a
significant amount in capital improvements, restored the historic clock
on its edifice, and is actively creating partnerships with churches and
community leaders in the Borough of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Today, The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell serves as Chairman
of the Board of Conference Studies for the New York Annual Conference,
and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the New York Annual Confer-
ence and the Board of Directors, Harriet Tubman Home; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he is the Chairman of the Budget Committee, New
York Annual Conference; Chairman of the Finance Committee for the New
York City District, and a member of the Brotherhood Pension Board for
the A.M.E. Zion Church; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell graduated magna cum laude
from Bethune-Cookman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Religion/Philosophy-Liberal Studies; he earned his Master of Divinity
degree from Hood Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry degree
with an emphasis in Liturgy and the Black Church from the Samuel DeWitt
Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University; and
WHEREAS, He has received training and certification in the Pastoral
Care Specialist program at the Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, North
Carolina; the Institute for Church Administration and Management (ICAM)
at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia;
and the North Carolina Rural Leadership Development Institute, Raleigh,
North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, The Reverend Lorraine
Lynn Kennedy-Mitchell, and their 16-year-old son, Caylen, both of whom

feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell has brought to his minis-
try an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision
and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Reverend Dr. Daran H. Mitchell upon the occasion of cele-
brating his Seventh Anniversary as Pastor of The First African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith
and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending
to him heartfelt best wishes for a future of purposeful success and
well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Dr. Daran Hernandez Mitchell, Pastor, The First
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Bedford-Stuyvesant Village of
Brooklyn, New York.