HR1489 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1489 LRB099 24039 GRL 51645 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor Anthony White for his 50 years of music ministry service in Illinois and Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Anthony White currently serves as Minister of Music at Mount Gideon Missionary Baptist Church of University City, Missouri; he began playing the piano and organ at the young age of 14, under the instruction of Mike Zikovich at the Sonny Shields Music Studio; he later received instruction from the Margie Olive School of Music; growing up in Friendship Baptist Church, he served as the musician for the youth choir; and

WHEREAS, Since that time, Anthony White has shared his gift of music at many churches throughout the Greater Metropolitan St. Louis and East St. Louis areas; he previously served as a musician at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Mt. Pisgah Church, Morning Star of East St. Louis, Morning Star of St. Louis, the Holy Ghost Tabernacle, Greater Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Cherubim Baptist Church, Union Tabernacle Church, Leonard Baptist Church, Mercy Seat Baptist Church, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Herald Church, and Pleasant Green Baptist Church, among others; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Anthony White has had the opportunity to work with other gospel greats, such as his personal friend Reverend James Cleveland, his mentor Reverend Charles Nicks, Charles Fold, Casetta George, Albertina Walker, the O'Neil Twins, Jack McGill, Gladys Givens, and Jeanetta Bradley; and

WHEREAS, Anthony White has had some of his most meaningful experiences in gospel music, including arranging, songwriting, and playing at Madison Square Garden, Constitutional Hall, the Civic Auditorium in Houston, Texas, the Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, McCormick Place in Chicago, and the Powell Symphony Hall, Kiel Auditorium, and Scottrade Center in St. Louis; he has been involved with the Gospel Music Workshop of America for over 45 years, serving the organization on the national and local levels and as a member, musician, assistant chapter representative, and co-chapter representative; he also wrote the song "I Don't Need Nobody Else", which is still being performed by choirs across the country; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his contributions to the church community, Anthony White is also involved by serving as a voice for his neighborhood in East St. Louis; and

WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, Anthony White has been known for his fancy and debonair style and fashion, his rich practice of teaching traditional gospel music, especially hymns, and for bringing out the best in every voice under his leadership; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Anthony White for his 50 years of music ministry service and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Anthony White as a symbol of our esteem and respect.