Antoine taylor
2025 Recipient of the Distinguished Award for Foundational Contributions
Every February, R CITY honors one person who has been heroic to the work of R CITY. Awarded at the Black History Celebration, R CITY's Distinguished Award for Foundational Contributions recognizes an individual whose work has been integral in the success of R CITY. This year's awardee is Pastor Antoine Taylor.
Antoine Taylor serves as the Interim Executive Pastor of River City Community Church, overseeing facilities management, worship operations, and community relationships. Taylor has a strong passion for living out the Gospel through community development and has been a historic leader of River City Community Church. His past experience includes film and audio production, youth and family services, and a number of volunteer roles within the Near North and Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago including serving as a founding board member of R CITY.
Taylor has been faithfully present throughout our existence. His leadership has touched many areas, building true organizational, financial, and missional collaboration between the two ministries. It was with his blessing that R CITY was able to so effectively pivot during the COVID era, turning the building upside down to provide in-person pods for remote learning. It was his behind-the-scenes support that sustained every aspect of the Building Together project to build outdoor play and gathering space. From vision to fundraising to execution, Taylor's work made the dream into reality.
But even these things are not the true hallmark of Taylor's ministry. Taylor is beyond talented in coordination, collaboration, production, and music, but he is best known for his warmth. He takes care to overlap hours with R CITY staff, checking in personally to support the leaders. He listens long and communicates sincerely and compassionately, making each of us feel seen and heard. He is truly a pastoral presence among us. Especially in this past year of leadership transitions at both R CITY and River City Church, Taylor's faithful kindness is exactly what we need. Join us in celebrating Pastor Antoine Taylor, a true hero in our history.