DERIDDER — City Council members this week unanimously approved the renaming of a street to honor the late George B. Harris, who served as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 28 years.
Passage of the ordinance, initiated by church members, drew cheers from a standing-room-only crowd Monday. The measure will rename Tully Street to George B. Harris Street.
After casting his vote, Councilman-at-Large Hayward Steele commended the community for displaying “such an impressive showing of support for such a great man.”
Harris, born in 1940 in Delhi, La., spent much of his life in Arkansas. After graduating cum laude from the University of Arkansas, Harris became the first African-American chemist at the Fort Polk environmental office.
His true calling, however, was at the pulpit. After being called to be pastor at Mount Zion Baptist, Harris retired early and devoted his attention to the church.
“It was a very hard decision for him to make, but it was one that he felt very certain of,” said Harris’ widow, Therleen Harris. “He never regretted it. He gave his life to the church and the community, and it was something he loved very much.”
After he became ill, the Harrises moved to Texas to be near their children. He died in November 2016.
Therleen Harris said she was overwhelmed at the love and devotion shown by the church and that it gives her strength knowing that her husband’s name will carry on in the community he loved.
“George was a very humble man. He did not like attention on himself much at all, but this is something I really wish he was here to see,” she said. “He would absolutely love it, and I cannot thank the City Council members and the church community enough for everything they have done.”
Harris said it’s her goal to be present when new street signs are placed.
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