HR0614 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0614 LRB095 12757 GRL 38121 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the pastor and congregation of Mount Emory Baptist Church of Jacksonville on the occasion of its 170th anniversary on July 27, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Mount Emory Baptist Church is believed to be the oldest Black Baptist Church in Illinois; the church was founded in 1837, when Reverends Samuel Ball and John Livingston met with 7 Christians who desired a church of their own; the first church was known as the Second Baptist Church, but was commonly referred to as "The Colored Missionary Baptist Church"; it was the first black church in Jacksonville and was located in a rented house, which was used as a place of worship until the congregation purchased a lot on Anna Street in 1847; and

WHEREAS, Mount Emory Baptist Church's congregation continued to grow during and after the Civil War, with many people migrating from the southern states; in 1867, the overcrowded wooden church was replaced by a 2 story brick structure on the corner of Marion and South Church Streets; the church remained until 1980, when the church was razed and replaced by the current building at the same location; and

WHEREAS, In its early days, Mount Emory Baptist Church had no regular minister but relied on the services of various preachers for their congregation; Andrew W. Jackson, a local barber, is reputed to have been the first black person to reside in Morgan County; he later joined the church and began studying for the ministry, eventually becoming a pastor for the church; and

WHEREAS, Mount Emory Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of the religious and civic history of the City of Jacksonville and of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pastor David L. Stewart and the members of Mount Emory Baptist Church of Jacksonville on the occasion of its 170th anniversary and wish the church continued success in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we proclaim August 19, 2007 as Mount Emory Baptist Church Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mount Emory Baptist Church Pastor David L. Stewart as a symbol of our esteem and respect.