Community mourns ‘gregarious’ leader who fought for social justice

Posted on November 29, 2018
Frank McSwain
Rev. Frank McSwain Sr., pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, died Thursday. He was 64. (Mt. Pisgah Facebook page)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – He’ll be remembered as a gifted speaker, who in the words of Bloomington’s mayor, provided a voice for the voiceless and some power for the powerless.

Rev. Frank McSwain Sr., pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, died Thursday at his home.

Mayor Tari Renner said McSwain’s death is a huge loss for the community.

“He was a towering figure who made contributions in a wide variety of fronts,” said Renner.

The mayor said he worked with McSwain since before he became mayor.

“When it came to dogged determination for things he thought were good for the community, whether or not it’s a broader goal of social justice, or policy change, or even some very specific recreational facilities, particularly for at-risk youth throughout our community, but especially on the west side, he was a gregarious individual who was very easy to work with,” said Renner.

McSwain’s legacy, according to the mayor, includes making Mount Pisgah a west side anchor.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Walker Funeral Home in Decatur.

Pastor McSwain was 64.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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