WHEREAS, Dr. Tom Wilbanks has served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite for 47 years, giving guidance and spiritual inspiration to his congregation, and earning the respect and admiration of our citizens by his whole-hearted and dedicated participation in many church and community projects; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilbanks has ministered to the spiritual needs of his congregation with a gentle spirit, loving thoughts and kind ways; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilbanks has given generously of his time and effort, faithfully served this community in various capacities too numerous to list and supported programs to benefit people of all ages and walks of life; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilbanks has provided the invocation for 53 City Council meetings and 10 Student Government Day luncheons; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Wilbanks was named the 2010 Mesquite Citizen of the Year and on Friday, February 20, 2015, Pastor Wilbanks was presented the Jeann Wisenbaker Pillar of the Community Award, which honors individuals who provide support, strength, stability, leadership and foundation to the Mesquite community; and
WHEREAS, with the love and encouragement of his wife Nicki and their children, Marilyn and Margie, he has been a powerful influence for good in our community; and
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Mesquite City Council, I, John Monaco, Mayor of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim Sunday, March 1, 2015, as:
Dr. Tom Wilbanks Day
in the City of Mesquite and urge all citizens to join me, along with his family and this congregation, in congratulating Pastor Wilbanks for his outstanding career in the ministry and wishing him many continued years of happiness and good health.
PROCLAIMED this 1st day of March 2015.