HR0595 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0595 LRB095 12719 KXB 38051 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the pastor and congregation of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Massbach as they celebrate 150 years of history; and

WHEREAS, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, outside of rural Elizabeth, near the community known as Massbach, is a worshipping community of about 200 people; and

WHEREAS, Over 150 years ago St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was just being formed at a place known as "Rush Creek"; the pioneers who were the first members met for worship, study, and fellowship in private homes, outdoors under trees, in school houses, or wherever they could; the first house of worship built by the members of St. John was a log structure erected just south of Massbach, in an area that today is the location of the church cemetery; and

WHEREAS, It is believed that the log church was built in 1859, and served the congregation until the membership grew and a new structure was required; in 1900 the first of three frame church buildings was constructed; on July 8, 1913, the first church was struck by lightning, caught fire, and burned to the ground; and

WHEREAS, The congregation decided to build a new house of worship, this time in a new location, just north of the village of Massbach; the new church was completed and dedicated in just six months; on April 8, 1922 the church was destroyed by a tornado and the members of the congregation again faced the question of rebuilding; the congregation decided to rebuild, and placed the new church on the same foundation as the previous building; and

WHEREAS, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church has withstood much in its 150-year history and the congregation has shown that true faith rebuilds and stands tall; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the pastor and congregation of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church for reaching this milestone in the church's history and wish them nothing but the best for the church's future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Steven Andersen as a symbol of our respect.