HR0976 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0976 LRB095 19072 GRL 45263 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Ephesians M.B. Church pastor Reverend Norris Freeman Flannigan on the occasion of his 70th birthday on February 17, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan was born on February 17, 1938; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan accepted his call to the ministry on January 26, 1976; he received his certificate for ordination on April 22, 1976; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan attended the Chicago Baptist Institute under the teaching of the late Dr. J.P. Gordon from 1977 until 1980; he attended school in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was awarded a certificate for teaching from the Sunday School Publishing Board; he was awarded his certificate as an instructor for Christian education through the Baptist State Congress; and he has taught, lectured, and attended many workshops through the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, the Mount Olive Baptist Church of Loves Park called Reverend Norris Flannigan to serve as pastor; he served there until 1982; in September of 1982, he organized the Ephesians M.B. Church, where he serves to this day; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan served as the President of the Rockford Minister Fellowship for 6 years; he was the President of the Gathering Place, a daycare center for senior citizens, for 2 years; he served as the moderator for the Rockford and Vicinity District Association from 1994 until 1998; he also assisted in organizing the Neighborhood Watch program for his community at his church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan has been the recipient of many awards in recognition of his service to the community; he was the recipient of the Unlimited Achievement Award on November 20, 2006; and he received a reward from the Baptist State Convention on February 22, 1997 for his many religious works; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Norris Flannigan is married to Jessie; he has 8 children and 19 grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Reverend Norris Freeman Flannigan on the occasion of his 70th birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Norris Flannigan as a symbol of our esteem and respect.