HR0278 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0278 LRB096 12165 KXB 24511 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend Dale Lawson, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Reverend Princeton McKinney, and the congregation of Christ Temple Community Baptist Church, in Markham, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the church; and

WHEREAS, The theme for the Golden Jubilee will be "Christ Temple Baptist Church @ 50: Looking to the Future!"; and

WHEREAS, On May 9, 1959 the founding pastor, Reverend Princeton H. McKinney and several others gathered to organize Christ Temple Baptist Church; land was purchased that same year, and on Christmas Day of 1960 money was raised to complete the payment of the "Little White Building"; and

WHEREAS, On April 29, 1964 construction began on a new church building and in August of that same year the move was made to the new structure; and

WHEREAS, The church continued to grow with the organization of a Nurse Corps; installation of air conditioning in 1966; a special prayer room was dedicated to the late Charles Washington, Sr.; the first pew was purchased by Brother and Sister Robert Varnado; additional parking space was purchased; a new church sign was purchased; and S&H Green Stamps were solicited and used to purchase a new piano for the sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, An electronic lift was added to aid the handicapped; and a day care center is now in operation; and

WHEREAS, On August 26, 2001, the 42nd anniversary and retirement celebration for Pastor McKinney was held and the street where the church resides was renamed P.H. McKinney Street in his honor; installation services for current pastor, Reverend Dale A. Lawson, were held in September of 2001; in January of 2002 Reverend McKinney was recognized and named Pastor Emeritus by Reverend Lawson and the church membership; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate everyone who worships and is a part of the glorious history of Christ Temple Baptist Church and wish them continued success in the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Lawson, Reverend McKinney, and the congregation of Christ Temple Baptist Church as a symbol of our respect and admiration.