* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL concerning
Title
Murray A. Schmoke, Sr. - In Remembrance
FOR the purpose of honoring the life of Murray A. Schmoke, Sr., retired chemist, learned scholar, gifted musician, loving friend, dedicated family patriarch, and father of former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke; and providing for a special effective date.
Body
Recitals
On April 14, 2007, the many family, friends, loved ones, and admirers of Murray Schmoke attended a wake and memorial service for him at the Douglas Memorial Church where he worshiped for more than 5 decades and served as president of the choir that was anchored by his booming bass voice.
Mr. Schmoke, who passed away at the age of 79, was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, and moved to Baltimore, in 1949, to take a job as a chemical research scientist at Edgewood Arsenal, later transferring to Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he retired 15 years ago.
An avid reader, the senior Schmoke was known for his scholarly pursuits. He also loved sports and was a season ticket holder for Baltimore Colts games from the 1950's, rarely missing a game, and became a loyal fan of the Ravens, as well. But, as his son, the former Mayor of Baltimore, recalled: "He loved singing more than anything else."
Throughout his life, Murray actively pursued his love of music, starting from the day his mother "forced" him to join the young people's choir in his hometown church in Raleigh, through his membership in the Morehouse College Glee Club, his participation in the famed Great Hymns Choir, and direction of the Douglass Memorial Community Church Choir.
In loving remembrance of his late musical mentor, Mr. Schmoke quoted the words of a favorite hymn that his friend had recited just before he passed away that serve as a fitting tribute to Murray as well:
"I'll praise my Maker while I've breath and when my voice is lost in death, praise shall employ my nobler power. My days of praise will ne'er be passed while life and thought of being last or immortality endures."
SECTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body hereby honors the life of Murray A. Schmoke, Sr., retired chemist, learned scholar, gifted musician, loving friend, dedicated family patriarch, and father of former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke; and provides for a special effective date.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, Mrs. Murray A. Schmoke, the Honorable Kurt L. Schmoke and family, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to he City Council.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution takes effect on the date it is enacted.
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