The late Dr. Paul Nichols, a once prominent minister in local, regional and national religious affairs, will be remembered with an honorary street sign at P and 28th streets in Church Hill.

City Council voted Monday to authorize the sign designating “Paul Nichols Way” that will be placed on the street beside Good Shepherd Baptist Church, where he served as pastor for 29 years.

During his career, he also served as dean of the Virginia Union University School of Theology, executive director of the American Baptist Churches’ Board of National Ministries of the American Baptist Churches and a board member of numerous Richmond religious and community organizations. The purpose of the sign is to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. Nichols, who died at age 50 in 1990 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.

Ahead of the vote, Dr. Nichols was lauded for his impact on the church and on future ministers.

Council President Michael J. Jones was among those who spoke glowingly of him and his impact on ministerial development.

“Every preacher who came through Virginia Union learned about Dr. Nichols,” he said.

The Rev. Paul S. Pleasants of Calvary Baptist Church and Weldon Hill, a jazz musician and former provost at VUU and Virginia State University, were among those who turned out to support the sign. His widow, Brenda Dabney Nichols, also thanked the council for the tribute.

A Kentucky native, Dr. Nichols made Richmond his home base after enrolling at VUU as an undergraduate. He later added a master’s degrees from VUU and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and a doctorate through a joint program of American University and Wesley Theological Seminary.

The resolution that 7th District Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille sponsored with support from Dr. Jones and 3rd District Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert cites Dr. Nichols for his leadership and contributions to religious life and community affairs.