HR0030 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0030 LRB095 07131 KXB 27258 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It has come to the attention of the members of the Illinois House of Representatives that Father Darryl F. James, rector of Messiah-St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in the Avalon Park Community of Chicago, is moving to Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, New York; and

WHEREAS, His journey in ministry began at Howard University as a student participating in the Absalom Jones Student Association; Father James received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976 and matriculated at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta for a year; and

WHEREAS, The late Right Reverend John M. Burgess, first African-American diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church, recruited Father James to Yale University, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in 1979; Father James served at Trinity Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey, and SS. Matthew and Joseph in Detroit, Michigan, before coming to Chicago; and

WHEREAS, For 21 years a part of his ministry has involved exposing young people to opportunities in higher education; Father James has encouraged and sponsored trips to colleges and universities across the country; Father James serves on many boards and community organizations including The Human Resources Development Institute, the Community Advisory Council of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Community Renewal Society, and as chair of the Community Ministers Alliance; he was a member of the Chicago Board of Education, and served as the National President of the Union of Black Episcopalians; and

WHEREAS, Father James currently serves as national Vice-President for membership to the Howard University Alumni Association; he has served on the Design Team that created liturgies for the 2002 Episcopal Youth Event, the Benefits Research Advisory Committee of the Church Pension Fund, the Diocesan Excellent Disciples Committee, and currently serves on the Christian Formation Commission; and

WHEREAS, Father James continues the legacy of blessed Absalom Jones, first black priest of the Episcopal Church, by promoting peace and justice in the church and the larger community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Father Darryl F. James on his move to Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica, New York and thank him for his years of ministry and service to the citizens of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Father Darryl F. James as a symbol of our respect.