HR0966 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0966 LRB093 22241 HSS 51179 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois are pleased to congratulate Pastor James E. Washington on being promoted to the office of Bishop in the International Church of God in Christ; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Washington is currently the pastor of Saint Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford and Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ in Freeport; the journey to promotion began in February of this year with a recommendation for the position; Pastor Washington completed the training institute for the office in March of 2004; the General Assembly, the governing body of the International Church of God in Christ, ratified the appointment in April of 2004; he will be installed in a consecration service on Monday, May 24, 2004 at Jurisdictional Headquarters in Chicago; the consecration service will be conducted by the Presiding Prelate of the International Church of God in Christ, Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson; and

WHEREAS, On Tuesday, May 25, 2004, Pastor Washington will assume responsibility for Illinois Fifth West Jurisdiction and will be the leader of churches included in that jurisdiction; the jurisdiction is a member assembly of the International Church; the International Church of God in Christ has a membership of 6,000,000 people worldwide and is the fourth largest religious body in the world; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Washington is a progressive and visionary leader in the Freeport and Rockford community; he will bring innovative and visionary administrative skills to the office of Bishop; he received his call to ministry in February of 1961; he served as assistant pastor for 15 years to Bishop Freeman Guy Green; he was installed as Pastor at Saint Paul Church of God in Christ in July of 1981; he has established 25 ministries through his work at that church; he has led the building of new edifices, the purchase and establishment of coaches for S.P. Charter Service, and several projects through Hands that Help, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Washington was installed as Pastor of Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ in 1998; he has established 10 ministries as a result of his work with that church; under his leadership, land has been purchased for a new facility and plans are in the works; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Washington is active in his communities; in Rockford, he is a Vice President of the Rockford Ministers' Fellowship, a past president of the Northern Illinois Southern Wisconsin Pentecostal, and a member of the C.N.O. (Council of Neighborhood Organizations); in Freeport, he is a member of the Freeport African American Ministers United for Change; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Washington is married to Georgia Mae Lovett Washington; he is the father of Yolanda and Vincent and the extended family of Cabria and Kina; he has five grandchildren and many godchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pastor James E. Washington on being promoted to the office of Bishop in the International Church of God in Christ; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor James E. Washington as an expression of our respect and esteem.