INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Phoenix and the First Institutional Baptist Church dedicated ceremonial street signs Friday at the intersection of 12th and Jefferson streets that honor Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., the church's the long-time senior pastor and a community activist.
The ceremonial signs are mounted on the intersection's northeast and southwest traffic signal poles to designate the location as Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr. Way.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Laura Pastor and District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia joined a host of church and community leaders to give remarks and celebrate the installation of the signs.
Stewart has served as senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church since 1977 and is a community activist “who advocates for the spiritual, social and economic needs of the community,” a city release stated.
He is known for preaching and teaching "Jesus is Justice" in 38 states and 51 countries and is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his contributions to the community, according to the release.
Phoenix follows a Ceremonial Street Sign Procedure to honor landmarks and people of historical significance.
The signs feature a blue background with white lettering.
The requesting organization or individual is responsible for the sign production, installation, maintenance and repair, according to the city.
Installation of the signs was approved by the council during its Aug. 31 meeting.