Recognizing Reverend David Coleman, Sr. for His Lifetime of Service

Floor Speech

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Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend David Coleman. Sr., a devoted pastor, community leader, and servant of Chicago's South Side, who passed away on July 21, 2026, following a lifetime of faith, hard work, and service to the Englewood community.

Born in Parkdale, Arkansas, as the seventh of eleven children, Reverend Coleman learned the values of faith, family, and hard work from an early age. Following the passing of his father in 1967, he assumed the pastoral leadership of New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for more than 50 years until his retirement in 2020. Through his ministry, Reverend Coleman created a sanctuary where generations of families found spiritual nourishment, youth programs, and community support.

Beyond his pastoral work, Reverend Coleman demonstrated his commitment to service through hard work and civic engagement. For more than two decades, he served as a custodian, engineer, and manager at the Stone Terrace Apartments complex. A lifelong self-taught repairman and craftsman, he personally rehabilitated a former warehouse at West 59th Street and transformed it into a spiritual sanctuary and community gathering place. He was also a dedicated member of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Baptist Pastors Conference of Chicago and Vicinity, and the Baptist Ministers Conference of Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Reverend David Coleman, Sr., whose more than five decades of pastoral leadership and service touched generations of Chicagoans and strengthened the community he called home. As we mourn his passing, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, including his wife, former Alderman, Bishop Shirley Coleman, daughter, Alderman Stephanie Coleman, and all those who knew and loved him.

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