By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Family members of the late Mount Pisgah Baptist Church pastor and community leader Frank McSwain Sr. were on hand at Monday night’s city council meeting to receive a proclamation in his honor.

Justin McSwain said his father was a man of peace, which is desperately needed in Bloomington and the rest of the world.

“Outside of my father’s transitioning, so much has happened in this city, (and) in this world,” the younger McSwain said.

“It’s too much going on. You know what’s missing? Peace!”

Daughter Kanisha McSwain said her father loved Bloomington-Normal.

“While it hurts our hearts that he’s no longer here, it’s just beautiful to see the impact that he’s had on so many lives, and the outpouring of love and support from, not just this community, but our church, Mt. Pisgah,” she said.

“We are truly honored to be his family members.”

The city’s proclamation said Rev. McSwain was instrumental in many organizations, including Not In Our Town, the Bloomington-Normal Chapter of the NAACP, and the Family and Community Resource Center. He also was an advocate for youth summer jobs programs and west side development.

Rev. McSwain died November 29. He was 64.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]