HR0616 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0616 LRB096 14630 GRL 29470 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the congregation of the St. Columba Episcopal Church on the occasion of the church's 50th anniversary on September 26, 2009; and

WHEREAS, The first services at St. Columba Episcopal Church were held by Rev. John F. Plummer on September 13, 1959; Rev. G.P. Burrill served as the church's first bishop; for its first several years, the church was little more than a makeshift arrangement in either a vacant building or at Woodland Heights School, with a revolving seat serving as the original pulpit and a small table serving as the church's first altar; a baptismal service on October 18, 1958 featured 4 children and 74 attendees in a room that was so crowded that the priest could barely avoid stepping on children during the proceedings; and

WHEREAS, St. Columba Episcopal Church was completed and dedicated on Thanksgiving in 1964; the new church could seat about 100 people; in the following years, the church's congregation grew so much that a school with 6 classrooms was added in 1968; the church later added stained-glass windows; in 1985, the church was granted parish status; and

WHEREAS, Today, St. Columba Episcopal Church is now stable and debt-free, with a loyal and dedicated congregation; the church's current vicar is Rev. Dr. Matthew P. Idicula, who has been serving as pastor since April of 2007 and has a long and distinguished career in the ministry; the church is very active in its community, holding regular fundraising flea markets, aiding the economically disadvantaged, and urging its parishioners to contribute to a local food pantry and women's crisis center; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the congregation of the St. Columba Episcopal Church on the occasion of the church's 50th 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 Rev. Dr. Matthew P. Idicula as a symbol of our esteem and respect.