Bill Text: MI HR0010 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for the Reverend Michael C. Murphy, former member of the House of Representatives.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-01-29 - Adopted By Unanimous Standing Vote [HR0010 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0010-Enrolled.html
The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No.
A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for the Reverend Michael C. Murphy, former member of the House of Representatives.
Whereas, It is with great sadness that the members of this legislative body learned of the passing of former Representative Michael C. Murphy. Well-respected and loved, he dedicated his life to community service and social justice through the lens of his faith and made a lasting impact on the people of Lansing and our entire state; and
Whereas, A native of Chicago, Michael Murphy was an activist and leader uniquely capable of working for social change through his church, his community, and state and local government. He received his bachelor's degree from DePaul University and a master's degree from Michigan State University. Following his calling, he went on to receive a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry from the Chicago Theological Seminary. An active member of the Lansing community, he served as a Senate staff member, led Lansing's Human Relations and Community Services Department, advised Governor Blanchard on children's services, and served on the Lansing City Council. In 1987, he founded the St. Stephens Community Church in Lansing; and
Whereas, In 2000, Michael Murphy was first elected to the House of Representatives, representing the 68th House District comprising a large part of the city of Lansing. For the next six years, Michael Murphy was a soft-spoken leader willing and able to reach across the aisle to find common ground on the issues facing our state. He was chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus during his final term in office and co-chair of the Legislative Children's Caucus. During his tenure, he successfully championed legislation to protect children, promote public health, and ensure school safety, notably sponsoring the Jasmine Miles School Children Safety Act; and
Whereas, Upon his retirement from the legislature, he moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as senior pastor of the Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ. In this role, he was active regionally and nationally in promoting his church and its legacy of spirituality, community service, and social activism. While he returned to Lansing often, he served in this role until his death; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Reverend Michael C. Murphy, a member of this legislative body from 2001 to 2006; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Murphy family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
