HR0782 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0782 LRB096 16135 KXB 31385 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the staff and congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Dundee on the 100th anniversary of the church; and

WHEREAS, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, founded in December of 1909, has been a mainstay of the West Dundee community, shepherding locals from infancy through their adult lives; throughout 2009, the congregation has recognized its 100th birthday by inviting former pastors to preach at various worship services; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bill Stroup, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Algonquin, presided over the final observance, as the church moves into its second century; Reverend Stroup grew up as a member of the congregation and performed leadership roles in the church before his ordination in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Former music director Gary Lichthardt also returned to play the organ during the services; Mr. Lichthardt, currently serving Trinity Church in Roselle, formerly led a thriving music program at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he was organist from 1979 to 1986; and

WHEREAS, The commemoration coincided with Dickens in Dundee, a local holiday celebration dating back to 1988; and

WHEREAS, In addition to liturgy services, the church participated in local happenings, with a bake sale and hot soup and sandwiches; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the staff and congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and wish them the best for years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Steven Woita, current pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, as a symbol of our respect and esteem.