HR1095 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1095 LRB095 20343 GRL 47654 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's 170th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The history of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church began in April of 1838, when Reverend John Livingston, along with 18 black settlers assembled in the home of Anderson Carter to organize the Colored Baptist Church, the third oldest Black Church in the State of Illinois; among the charter members were George W. Brent Sr., Thornton Coleman, Maria Vance, Anna Butler, Frances Ellis, Sadie Demery, Winefred Huston, Joseph Huston, and Nancy Jackson; that same year, Reverend Luther Arnold was called to pastor this newly formed church; and

WHEREAS, In 1839, Reverend Livingston met at the Colored Baptist Church with several area church leaders and organized the Wood River Baptist Association, the second oldest Black Association in the United States; in 1878, the Colored Baptist Church affiliated with the Springfield Baptist Association of the Illinois Baptist State Convention; in 1890, under the pastorate of Reverend West, the Colored Baptist Church returned to the Wood River Baptist Association; and

WHEREAS, In 1894, the name of the Colored Baptist Church was changed to the Zion Missionary Baptist Church; in 1902, several delegates from across the State met at Zion and organized the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Under the pastorate of Reverend J.C. Roberts, the Zion Missionary Baptist Church affiliated with the Springfield Council of Churches, which was organized in 1924; the church also associated with the Illinois Council of Churches after its formation; within months of beginning his pastorate in 1929, Reverend Clyde M. Shultz led the congregation in the burning of the church's mortgage; and

WHEREAS, In 1938, the Centennial Celebration of Zion was celebrated under the pastorate of Reverend R. Calvin Shultz, the brother of Reverend Clyde M. Shultz; and

WHEREAS, The 20th century represented a period of great growth for the Zion Missionary Baptist Church; under the pastorate of Reverend Thomas Herring, an extensive cleaning, repairing, and painting project was initiated on the church; Reverend Herring's wife initiated a children's group, the Buds of Promise; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Reverend Henry F. Blakey, membership growth continued apace at the Zion Missionary Baptist Church; during his tenure, the Altar Committee, Men's Club, Steering Committee, Flower Club, Silent Workers, Dramatic Club, and the Religious Education Department were formed; in October of 1944, the church was completely remodeled under the direction of Reverend Blakey; his successor, Reverend George Winston, led the church in reducing the remodeling debt significantly; and

WHEREAS, Under the pastorate of Reverend John A. Hester, a new parsonage was built onto the Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1954; Reverend Albert T. Rowan, who succeeded Reverend Hester, was responsible for the organization of a Choral Group for inspirational singing and the mobilization of the church younger members, who were most helpful in the construction of the church's kitchen and choir room; and

WHEREAS, The Zion Missionary Baptist Church took part in its first major building expansion effort during the 1960s, under the direction of Reverend Negil L. McPherson; in 1963, the church purchased property on the corner of 16th and Laurel Streets in Springfield; after three major building campaigns, the church broke ground for its new edifice on August 30, 1970; after completing construction, the first service in the new building was held on November 5, 1972; the new building's dedication was held on February 4, 1973; in 1978, another lot was purchased to expand the church's parking facilities; and

WHEREAS, Reverend McPherson was also responsible for leading the Zion Missionary Baptist Church toward greater involvement with district, State, and national convention work; his successor, Reverend George W. Waddles Sr., was instrumental in increasing membership and financial contributions, as well as enhancing the Christian Education and Worship Ministries; and

WHEREAS, On April 24, 1984, Reverend Samuel W. Hale Jr. was called to serve as the 30th Pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church; under his leadership, the Children's Choir, Brotherhood Chorus, Golden Agers Fellowship Chorus, Instrumental Ensemble, Storehouse Ministry, Red Circle Girls Program, Royal Ambassador Program, Golden Agers Fellowship, Brotherhood Ministry, Red Circle Girls Program, and Vacation Bible School Ministry were formed; in addition, the church experienced a new period of growth, with the purchase of a new parsonage in 1984, the burning of the church's second mortgage in 1985, and the increase of both land and financial capital; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1988, the Zion Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Zion Missionary Baptist Church continues its mission of spreading the word of God to its many members and the world at large, as well as serving its community in many beneficial ways; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and piety exhibited by the congregation of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church is worthy of the greatest respect; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's 170th anniversary 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 Zion Missionary Baptist Church as a symbol of our esteem and respect.