HR0534 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0534 LRB097 13597 GRL 58130 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of Immanuel United Church of Christ on the occasion of the dedication of the church's Heritage Marker; and

WHEREAS, On June 3, 1852, five acres of land were donated by W.G. Hubbard for the sole and exclusive use of erecting a house for religious worship and a burying ground; in 1853, the first building was erected and served as a church, school, and parsonage; the church was called Immanuel German Evangelical Lutheran Church; in 1959, a vote was taken to change the name to Immanuel Church, United Church of Christ, Hanover Township, Elgin, Illinois; in April of 1970, the name was changed to Immanuel United Church of Christ; and

WHEREAS, The first burial in the church's cemetery was held in 1854; a new church building was built and dedicated in 1868 and serves as the church building today; in 1879, a new school house was built; the original building was remodeled and subsequently served as the parsonage; the church's buildings have gone through numerous renovations and revisions since; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1911, the church's Women's Guild was organized with 36 members; the Women's Guild has supported many projects within the church and community; in 1985, the Christian Outreach Group was formed for those ladies who worked or were otherwise unable to attend the daytime Women's Guild; the Women's Guild continues to meet on the first Thursday of the odd number months; the church's first Youth Group was formed in 1939; and

WHEREAS, Immanuel United Church of Christ has hosted numerous events and celebrations throughout its rich history, including the Chick'n Chop Fry, the Spring and Fall Rummage Sales, and the Craft Fair; the church also takes part in many charitable activities, including the PADS program, the Hanover Township Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and the Night Ministry for the Homeless; and

WHEREAS, Many pastors have served the congregation of Immanuel United Church of Christ over the years, including Rev. Snell (1853 - 1854), Rev. C. Bofinger (1854 - 1857), Rev. F. G. Reinicke (1857 - 1866) Rev. G. Lambrecht (1866 - 1870), Rev. Julius Schumm (1870 - 1873), Rev. F. Boeber (1873 - 1877), Rev. F. Rasche (1877 - 1880), Rev. R. Krueger (1880 - 1885), Rev. Paul Foerster (1885 - 1890), Rev. F. W. Schnathorst (1890 - 1897), Rev. J. H. Ellerbrake (1897 - 1913, 1934 - 1941), Rev. A. Voight (1913 - 1919), Rev. William Meyer (1920 - 1934), Rev. R. Nienkamp (1942 - 1944), Rev. Peter Beecken (1945 - 1964), Rev. Paul Rucker (1965 - 1969), Rev. Myron Schmitt (1970 - 1983), Rev. Don Riemer (1984 - 2001), Rev. Kim Wood (2003 - 2009), and Rev. Tom Gough (2009 - present); and

WHEREAS, Immanuel United Church of Christ's Heritage Marker will be dedicated during a ceremony on September 28, 2011 at 5:20 P.M.; the Heritage Marker honors the final resting place of three Civil War veterans, Richard Bode, Henry Folmer, and Henry C. Schaefer, as well as several early settlers of Hanover Township; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of Immanuel United Church of Christ on the occasion of the dedication of the church's Heritage Marker and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the congregation of Immanuel United Church of Christ as a symbol of our esteem and respect.