HR1225 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1225 LRB093 23861 CSA 53920 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Pastor James Curtis Austin, Sr. of Chicago was elevated to the office of Bishop of the district on May 24, 2004 by the Most Honorable Presiding Bishop of the Church of God In Christ, Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson, of Memphis, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, The elevation to the office of Bishop is the culmination of a life of service and good works, and Bishop Austin exemplifies the highest spiritual and moral standards of the Church; in his role as Bishop, he oversees existing churches, develops new churches, and oversees all jurisdictional ministries in the Chicago area and downstate Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Since 1978, Bishop Austin has served as the dedicated pastor, spiritual teacher, and uncompromising preacher of St. Luke Church of God in Christ located on the outskirts of the Cabrini Green Community in the inner city of Chicago; he also serves as the President of the Near North Ministry Alliance, a multi-ethnic group of leaders from eight denominations, working together to bring new life to a dying community; and

WHEREAS, The amalgamator of For Christ Ministries, Inc., a caring ministry serving Trinidad/Tobago, South Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Jamaica, and Thailand, he has served as Vice-President and liaison to the Olive Branch Missions and Tabitha House, respectively, housing and developing homeless men and women; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin is husband of 29 years to Vernesta T. Austin and, together, they are the proud parents of James, Jr., Dorcas, Prisca, and Marcus; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Bishop James Curtis Austin, Sr. on the honor and responsibility that was given to him and we feel sure he will exceed the high expectations and hopes of the Church; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop James Curtis Austin, Sr. as an expression of our utmost respect and admiration.