Lyman Parks
Rev. Lyman S. Parks | |
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Mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan | |
In office 1971–1976 | |
Preceded by | Robert Boelens |
Succeeded by | Abe L. Drasin |
Personal details | |
Born | 1917 |
Died | (2009-11-04)November 4, 2009 Lisle, Illinois, United States |
Rev. Lyman S. Parks (1917 – November 4, 2009) was the mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1971 to 1976. He was the first African-American to serve in the position.[1] He was also the first African-American elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 1968. Recognizing his contributions to the city of Grand Rapids, a statue in his honor was dedicated in 2013 in front of the Grand Rapids City Hall.
Early life and education
Parks grew up in southern Indiana at Lyles Station. He graduated in 1944 from Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary.
Pastoral career
He served as pastor to congregations in Marion, Indiana; Richmond, Indiana; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and River Rouge, Michigan. He moved to Grand Rapids in 1966, where he took a position as pastor of First Community AME Church. During his tenure at First Community A.M.E. he grew the church membership and mentored many who continued on into future ministry roles. Supportive of families, Rev. Parks encouraged parents to bring their children to church and participate in the many activities of the church. His sermons were both informative and effective in inspiring people to be involved in the life of their communities. After retiring from First Community A.M.E Church, he was asked to return as pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago where he concluded his pastoral career.
Political career
In 1968 he ran for City Commission representing the city's Third ward, and was elected. In June 1971, he was selected by his fellow commissioners to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of mayor Robert Boelens. In 1973, he ran for the office. Grand Rapids mayoral elections are non-partisan, but Republican U.S. Representative Gerald R. Ford (who would shortly be appointed Vice President and then become President) encouraged businessman and Republican activist Peter Secchia to support Parks' campaign. Parks was elected, defeating 10 other candidates. With his election, Parks became the first African-American mayor of Grand Rapids. Parks' granddaughter Lauri credits him with quietly persuading Amway founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel to purchase and renovate the Pantlind Hotel, the first of many investments to revitalize downtown Grand Rapids.
Parks lost his bid for re-election in 1976, to Abe Drasin, and returned to full-time ministry. Governor William Milliken appointed him to the State Officers Compensation Commission in 1982. He retired from First Community in 1985. He moved to Chicago, where he resumed ministry at Greater Institutional AME Church. He moved back to Grand Rapids in 1999, but lived the last year of his life in Lisle, Illinois. He died on November 4, 2009, following a stroke a few days earlier.[1][2][3]
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References
- ^ a b Harger, Jim (November 4, 2009). "Grand Rapids first black mayor Rev. Lyman Parks remembered for honesty, calm". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- ^ LaFurgey, Joe (November 6, 2009). "Former GR mayor Lyman Parks dies". WOOD Television, Inc. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- ^ Brenzing, Bob (November 4, 2009). "Funeral Held for Former Grand Rapids Mayor, Lyman Parks". wzzm13.com. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Robert Boelens | Mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan 1971 - 1976 | Succeeded by Abe L. Drasin |
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- Religion in Black America
- Historically African-American Christian denominations
- Clergy
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church | |
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First African Baptist Church (Richmond, Virginia) | |
First African Baptist Church (Savannah, Georgia) |
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Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship | |
Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention | |
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. | |
National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. | |
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America | |
Progressive National Baptist Convention | |
United American Free Will Baptist Church |
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- Apostolic Faith Church (William J. Seymour)
- Church of God in Christ (Charles Edward Blake Sr.
- Andraé Crouch
- Sandra Crouch
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- Chandler David Owens Sr
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