HR0496 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0496 LRB099 12387 GRL 35632 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Christ Lutheran Church of Stockton on the occasion of the church's 125th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The congregation of Christ Lutheran Church was organized by several German families in 1890, with the first meetings in the Stockton School; it was later decided to build their own house of worship; the construction of the church was dedicated on October 7, 1894; and

WHEREAS, During the Christ Lutheran Church's early years, the congregation shared pastors with Warren, Illinois, an arrangement that ended in 1916; shortly after a new parsonage was dedicated in 1916, the church building was partially burned down; the building was rebuilt and rededicated in 1920; and

WHEREAS, As the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church grew in number, it was decided to build a larger church building; in June of 1946, the congregation purchased 24 acres of land on the north edge of Stockton from Howard Bohnhoff; from that land, 25 building lots were sold, as well as 11 acres that were sold to the Village of Stockton for a new park; from the remaining 2 acres, the congregation built the present church building; groundbreaking services were held in 1948 and the corner laying services were held in 1949; the new church building was dedicated on October 8, 1950; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Christ Lutheran Church's new parsonage was built and the former parsonage, which was connected to the church, was converted to a building for Sunday School classes and organizational meetings; and

WHEREAS, Members of the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church have established hospice for residents of the community and Jo Daviess County; the church also established the area's first food pantry in the area; and

WHEREAS, Christ Lutheran Church's current membership is served by Pastor Susan Davenport and the Lay Chairman of the congregation is Steven Rice; the congregation is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Christ Lutheran Church will be held on October 3 and 4, 2015; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Christ Lutheran Church of Stockton on the occasion of the church's 125th anniversary and wish its congregation continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies be presented to the Chairman of Christ Lutheran Church, the Stockton Heritage Museum, and the President of the Village of Stockton as an expression of our esteem and respect.