HR0686 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0686 LRB096 15085 GRL 30104 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church on the occasion of the church's 150th anniversary in October of 2009; and

WHEREAS, The rich history of the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church began in October of 1859, when the first congregation began meeting in a one-room school house located behind the church’s present location; in July of 1864, a church was built and dedicated at the cost of $4,191; the church had 14 original charter members; and

WHEREAS, The Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church's building, located at 402 2nd Avenue in Forreston, has housed the church's congregation since its construction over 140 years ago; the church's original 1864 bell continues to be rung each Sunday and the original wooden altar stands at the front of the sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, In 1909, additions were made to the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the church's small entryway removed and a larger indoor entryway and balcony added; in 1909, the building's clear glass panes were removed and leaded stained-glass windows were added; in the 1930s, a basement was dug out by hand for use as a fellowship and Sunday school room area; in 2005, a large addition, which includes an office, coffee fellowship area, elevator, and rest rooms accessible for people with disabilities, was built and dedicated and the church’s steeple was replaced; and

WHEREAS, The congregation of the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church will celebrate the church's 150th anniversary with a special worship service and dinner on October 18, 2009; and

WHEREAS, The Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and its congregation serve as shining examples of faith, integrity, and compassion for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church on the occasion of the church's 150th anniversary and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the congregation of the Forreston Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church as a symbol of our esteem and respect.