HR0709 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0709 LRB096 15239 GRL 30319 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 in Decatur on the occasion of the church's 100th anniversary in 2009; and

WHEREAS, The rich history of the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 began in 1909, when Sister Nannie Turnbo visited her family in Terre Haute, Indiana; after attending a revival held on the street where she heard Evangelist Rosie Goode and Elder E.T. Webb preach, she returned to Decatur and talked with others about having the church come to Decatur; that same year, Evangelist Queen Hawkins went to Decatur and held services in Central Park; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by Evangelist Hawkins and dedicated to making their own temple, the charter members of the Church began meeting together; during the group's early days, church services were held in members' houses until a makeshift sanctuary was created within Central Park; under the leadership of Evangelist Hawkins, the congregation of the church grew and the members decided to rent a building that once belonged to the Church of the Brethren; and

WHEREAS, Due to the poor condition of the church's building, it was decided by the members of the Church to move to the Hod Carriers Hall, a building that required members to travel up 3 flights of stairs; after the church's membership began to decline, services were once again held at members' houses until a replacement dwelling could be found; later, the church found a building on Franklin Street, where the congregation remained until it moved to 325 E. Macon Street (now 400 S. Franklin); around this time, the church acquired its first pastor, Rev. Tilton McKinney; and

WHEREAS, After the passing of Rev. McKinney, the members of the Church found a new pastor, Rev. Hendershott; under Rev. Hendershott's leadership, the church purchased 2 houses on the corner of Macon and Franklin Streets, which were remodeled many times; in 1968, the church broke ground on a new church building, where the church has held services ever since; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, Bishop E.A. Morgan became the spiritual leader of the Church; under his leadership, the church grew and prospered with the addition of new properties and extensive renovations to the church, the dedication of the church's balcony and repository, and the construction of the church's parking lot; Rev. Morgan served the church faithfully until his passing in March of 2006; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, Bishop Morgan was succeeded by Elder Elston Carter; during his tenure, Elder Carter has worked to strengthen and encourage the Youth Department, the Out-Reach Ministry, the Bible Study groups, and the Family Life and Marriage Ministries; and

WHEREAS, The Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 has hosted many Second District Conventions, Spring Musicals, National Y.P.P.U. events, Sunday School Councils, and Women's Conferences; the church has also inspired 11 men and 2 women to become pastors and leaders of other churches throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, The Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 serves as a model of piety, charity, and community involvement for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 on the occasion of the church's 100th 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 congregation of the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. Temple #46 as a symbol of our esteem and respect.