HR0705 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0705 LRB095 13486 GRL 39165 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of the Galena United Methodist Church on the occasion of the church's 175th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The first congregation of the Galena United Methodist Church was organized in 1829 and consisted of only six members; the congregation held services in a house on Bench Street in Galena until 1832, when the members began construction of a new church; the first church burned to the ground in January 1838 and was immediately replaced with a new stone and brick building, which was dedicated in 1841; the first parsonage still remains on the hillside of the church's lot and is known as the Osprey's Nest; the church's current building was built in 1856 and was dedicated in January 1857; and

WHEREAS, The Galena United Methodist Church contains many beautiful stained glass windows and a Moline Pipe Organ, which were installed in 1868; and

WHEREAS, The Galena United Methodist Church has served as a house of worship for such famous people as Ulysses S. Grant, who attended the church with his family, and the Reverend John Vincent, who served the church and organized his teaching classes, which became the great Chautauqua movement; and

WHEREAS, The Galena United Methodist Church will hold a special anniversary service celebrating its past, present, and future on September 9, 2007 at 10 A.M.; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of the Galena United Methodist Church on the occasion of the church's 175th anniversary and wish the congregation continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dan Schenck as a symbol of our esteem and respect.