HR1374 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1374 LRB095 21632 KXB 51758 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the pastor and congregation of Original Providence Baptist Church, located in the Austin community on the westside of Chicago, on the occasion of the 145th anniversary of the church; and

WHEREAS, Original Providence Baptist Church will celebrate this anniversary on June 21 and June 22, 2008; and

WHEREAS, The church was founded in 1863 as an endeavor of black people with a dream; the church began on North Irving Avenue as the fulfillment of hopes and dreams of twelve fugitives from slavery; and

WHEREAS, In 1911 a large and more commodious edifice was erected at 217 North Leavitt; the church moved from North Leavitt Street in 1957 to West Jackson Boulevard, then to West Washington Street, and finally to the current location at 515 North Pine Avenue; and

WHEREAS, Original Providence Baptist Church stands as a monument to the cause of Baptists in the immediate community and in the City of Chicago; it is the hope of the church that this present generation will evaluate with care the spiritual legacy that has come from the distant past; and

WHEREAS, Original Providence Baptist Church has had some of the finest men in the world serve as pastor; the current pastor is also the first female pastor of the church, Reverend Beverly Finley-Gardner; and

WHEREAS, Through the leadership of these theologians and the willingness of the members of the church to follow, the congregation has built a background for the church and the city, which justifies their recognition of 145 years of service in the advancement of the Kingdom of the Glory to God; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the pastor and congregation of Original Providence Baptist Church and wish them continual blessings as they minister to the people of the Austin community and Chicago; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the pastor and congregation of Original Providence Baptist Church as a symbol of our respect.