HR0614 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0614 LRB097 14661 GRL 59554 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Freeport on the occasion of the church's 100th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church was established on September 15, 1911; the church was originally a prayer mission run by Sister Sarah Sides in her home; St. Paul was the very first African-American church in Freeport; the church's initial attendees and organizing saints were Mrs. Sides and her family, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Clark, Reverend and Mrs. H. Byrus, and many others; and

WHEREAS, In 1915, St. Paul was given the name Oak Hill Baptist Church; under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Starks, the name was changed to St. Paul Baptist Church; in 1962, while under the pastorate of Robert Huff, the church officially provided the name change of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church; Pastor Huff served St. Paul as a visionary leader; under his leadership, St. Paul moved to its present day location of 607-641 East Stephenson Street on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968; since that time, St. Paul has erected an educational facility in addition to the sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church has served as a beacon of light in Freeport and the surrounding communities; it has provided a mission ministry to young people, the needy, the disenfranchised, and seniors; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the congregation of St. Paul, Christian education and Baptist doctrine has been administered, taught, and evangelized within the Freeport community and northwest Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's 100th 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 St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church as a symbol of our esteem and respect.