1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring Rev. Dr. Earl Fredrick Miller, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement.
1.3WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Earl Fredrick Miller, Sr. was born on March 17, 1941, to Earl Lee
1.4Miller and Melvin Gamble Miller; and
1.5WHEREAS, Dr. Miller's academic attendance at Jackson State University, University of
1.6Illinois, Virginia Union University, and Union Theological Seminary yielded a bachelor's degree
1.7and master's and doctorate degrees; and
1.8WHEREAS, Dr. Miller's 48-year journey in ministry includes service as Senior Pastor of
1.9Mount Olive Baptist Church, Glen Allen, Virginia (1972-1977); Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Baptist
1.10Church, St. Paul, Minnesota (1977-1992); and Founder/Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church,
1.11St. Paul, Minnesota (1992-2017); and
1.12WHEREAS, Dr. Miller's service to the State of Minnesota includes leadership of the St.
1.13Paul Planning Commission, Minnesota Council of Churches, Minnesota State Baptist Convention,
1.14St. Paul Interdenominational Black Ministerial Alliance, Rainbow Children's Theatre, Pilgrim
1.15Foundation for Urban, Social and Educational Development, St. Paul NAACP, P.R.O.C.E.E.D.,
1.16and a host of other initiatives; and
1.17WHEREAS, Dr. Miller served as Professor at Augsburg College, Bethel University Seminary,
1.18and Virginia Union School of Theology, and as Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Field Education,
1.19and Director of Bands at Virginia Union University; and
1.20WHEREAS, for over 25 years, Dr. Miller played the lead role in the internationally acclaimed
1.21and Obie Award-winning musical "The Gospel at Colonus," was named one of the "10 Most
1.22Influential Clergy in the Twin Cities" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, is a 2009 Minnesota
1.23African American Heritage Calendar honoree, and was a recipient of numerous awards, including
1.24the Boy Scouts of America Spurgeon Award; and
2.1WHEREAS, Dr. Miller is known locally, nationally, and internationally as a respected
2.2preacher, scholar, and community leader, but attributes his accomplishments to his wife of 55 years,
2.3Eunice Miller; his three adult children, Frettra (Rohan), Earl, Jr. (Aisha), and Melvin (Tonya); 13
2.4grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and members and friends of Progressive Baptist Church;
2.5and
2.6WHEREAS, friends and family will unite together May 25-28, 2017, to celebrate and honor
2.7Rev. Dr. Earl Fredrick Miller, Sr. as he retires from 48 years of service and is installed as Pastor
2.8Emeritus of Progressive Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minnesota; and
2.9NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
2.10congratulates Rev. Dr. Earl Fredrick Miller, Sr. on his long and distinguished career of service in
2.11ministry, and extends best wishes to him for his retirement.
2.12BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
2.13enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
2.14Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Rev. Dr. Earl Fredrick
2.15Miller, Sr.

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Paul E. GazelkaChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Foung HawjState Senator, District 67

Bobby Joe ChampionState Senator, District 59

Jeff HaydenState Senator, District 62

Sandra L. PappasState Senator, District 65

John MartyState Senator, District 66