HR1327 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1327 LRB094 20572 LCT 58884 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are honored to recognize the milestones in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Ferlander N. Lewis will celebrate his 20th year as the pastor of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Harvey; and

WHEREAS, Ferlander N. Lewis was born the fifth child of Rev. James and Rose Lewis; raised in the church all of his life, he confessed hope in Christ in 1969; and

WHEREAS, He began playing the piano at age eight and, shortly thereafter, began playing for the church where his father was the pastor; as an accomplished musician and singer, he has played for many choirs and recording artists and has appeared on several recording projects; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Lewis is a graduate of Beloit College; he began preaching in 1979; after being licensed and ordained, he served as an Associate Minister for seven years at the True Vine Baptist Church of Dixmoor; in February 1986, he was called to pastor the New Mount Olive Baptist Church of Harvey; as pastor of the church, Pastor Lewis has witnessed New Mount Olive grow in every area that reflects the Kingdom of God, moving from less than 100 members to over 2,500 members; and

WHEREAS, He is the CEO of the Christian Help Center, an organization that offers youth, senior, and vocational programming and services; he serves on the Board of Directors at the prestigious Glenwood School; and he is the chaplain for the City of Harvey; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Lewis is listed in the Library of Congress for his outstanding achievements as a pastor and for his community involvement; he is a noted and well sought after speaker, having preached at the National Baptist Convention, Inc., Progressive National Baptist Convention, NAACP Convention, PUSH, and a host of churches, universities, and civic organizations across the country; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Lewis is married to Janice and together they have four children, DiVina, Jeffrey, Jade, and Julian; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pastor Ferlander N. Lewis on his 20th anniversary with the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, commend him for his contributions to his community, and wish him well in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Ferlander N. Lewis.