HR0695 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0695 LRB094 14859 AJO 49862 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2005, the congregation of the Scales Mound United Methodist Church welcomed former members of the congregation and community members to the Church's 150th anniversary celebration, which included a worship service and a potluck dinner; and

WHEREAS, The Scales Mound United Methodist Church describes itself as a family of Christians who worship God under the leadership of the Methodist guidance set forth by Reverend John Wesley; and

WHEREAS, During the 150 years that this church has served Scales Mound, this farming community has faced challenges, persevered, and progressed through years of hardship, plenty, development, success, and societal change; whatever the nature of the times this congregation has always shown one constant, the heart-felt welcome that Scales Mound Methodist Church members gave to all who worshipped with them; and

WHEREAS, During 1854, local Methodists organized and began plans to build a church in Scales Mound; the plans quickly turned into reality and in 1855 the Methodists erected a stone church on the site now utilized by Scales Mound Methodist Church; the Scales Mound Church, which cost $1800 and seated 200 people, well met the needs of the congregation's 125 members; a parsonage next to the church was added in 1860; and

WHEREAS, In 1883, the stone church was replaced by a simple, but beautiful wooden structure with Gothic stained windows, dignified arches, a tall belfry with spires, and a bell to call worshippers to service; a church hall and kitchen were added in 1929; in 1950, a building renovation was completed; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, the Scales Mound Methodist Church family welcomed the members of other churches, when those churches closed; the members of the Veta Grande Church, the Mt. Zion Church, the Wiley Church, and the Council Hill Church were warmly brought into the fold; and

WHEREAS, The Scales Mound Methodist Church was well served by 41 dedicated pastors; beginning in the late 1950's, Scales Mound was served by 3 pastors and a succession of 18 diligent seminarians from the Dubuque Theological Seminary of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Garrett Seminary of Evanston, Illinois; since 2002, Scales Mound has been blessed with the spiritual leadership of Pastor Marilyn Nolan; and

WHEREAS, In the 150th anniversary worship service, the congregation's Homecoming Prayer thanked God: for all the years of worship and witness in Scales Mound; for those who established the congregation, their faith and vision, and their gifts and abilities; for all prior members who gave freely of their time and money and who provided wise guidance to the congregation; and, for those worshipping that day, the prayer asked for the peace that passes understanding; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we heartily congratulate the members of the Scales Mound United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 150th anniversary and extend our best wishes for the Church's continued growth and service to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Scales Mound United Methodist Church as an expression of our esteem.