Tom Washington
THE RESOLUTION
We gather to celebrate the journey through life of Tom Washington. His death came in the 61st year of his life.
Early in 1963 Tom Washington actively participated in the initial planning and researching of 5th City as a dream and a practical social model. On the original 5th City Board of Managers, he served as Assistant Coordinator assigned to the political guild and primarily responsible for the urban services. He was one of the first board of directors for the Citizens Redevelopment Corporation. In recent years of 5th City expansion, he and other businessmen were instrumental in the development of a shopping center, a new sign of economic resurgence in the inner city.
Tom Washington cared for his fellow men by being the 5th City presuppositions. He was the guardian who assumed responsibility for every inch of 5th city geography. He was the first seen on the streets each morning and the last to leave each night. His care encompassed all ages and all areas of innocent suffering within the community. He was known for his sensitivity relative to the physical care of his neighbors as well as their spiritual nurture. His participation in a world war and over a half century of living, had taught him that the world is a more human city when local men and women assume responsilbility for the quality of life in their local communities. Without a question, Tom Washington was out to build 5th City. His strong vision of the role of 5th City in creating a new world and his missional engagement transcended the barriers between male and female, youth and adult, black and white.
Tom Washington was a molder of the future and shaper of human lives. He was the elder and storyteller – a source of practical wisdom and real humor for all in the community and particularly for the youth from whom he evoked discipline and responsibility. Frequently his stories reflected his appreciation for George Patton, under whom he served, and of a much older saint, Moses. His style was that of unquestioned conviction and quiet, prophetic leadership. As the invisible servant and the Iron Man, he gave all who encountered him full permission to create new life in 5th City: Chicago on behalf of the globe. His death, as his life, comes as accountability, and permission to be 5th City.
Therefore, we resolve that Tom Washington be remembered as one of the first 5th City Iron Men – one who had seen a vision ad who shared his vision of hope, possibility and corporateness for this 5th City and future 5th cities around the world.
Grance and peace be unto you, The 5th City Chicago Community