HR0240 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0240 LRB098 11692 MST 44348 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend Richard R. Harre, the senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, as he retires on April 30, 2013, after serving over 42 years at Trinity Lutheran; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre was born on January 24, 1942, at home on the family farm west of Nashville to Raymond W. and Ida L. (nee Kuhlman) Harre; he was the oldest of 10 children: Richard, Bill, Danny, Kenneth, Kevin, Margene, Phyllis, Marilyn, Marcile; and Debbie; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre was baptized on February 15, 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville and confirmed there on March 25, 1956; he attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Nashville and started at Nashville High School; he continued high school at St. Paul's High School in Concordia, Missouri, where he graduated in 1960; he attended St. Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri, where he obtained an associate in arts degree in 1962; he attended Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he obtained a bachelor of arts degree in 1964; he entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he obtained his masters of divinity degree in May of 1968; his vicarage (internship) was at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria, under Reverend Rudolph A. Haak; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre was united in marriage on July 31, 1966, to the lovely Ruth Ann Schoder of St. Louis, Missouri; they were blessed with 2 sons, Michael Ray in 1972 (Michelle "Mickey") and Jeffrey Alan in 1975 (Janelle) and further blessed with grandchildren, Samantha, Kaden, Katelyn, and Luke; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre was ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville on June 9, 1968; he was pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spencer, Nebraska, and Christ Lutheran Church in Lynch, Nebraska, from June 1968 untill September 1970; he was installed on September 20, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, where he has faithfully, honorably, and lovingly served for over 42 years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre has served as treasurer to the Auburn Ministerial Association from 1970 to present and served as secretary/treasurer to the Springfield West and East Circuits of the Central Illinois District from 1995 to present; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre was a member of the Christian Education Commission of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, chairman of the Family Life Education Committee, Central Illinois District from 1975 to 1985, and a member and chairman of the Ministerial Health Commission of the Central Illinois District from 1985 to 2000; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre has been a member of the Auburn School District's Advisory Committee and School Policy Committee, a Little League umpire and coach for many years during his sons' youth, and a member of the Auburn Lion's Club; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre, during his over 42 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, has performed approximately 590 baptisms, 292 marriage ceremonies, 203 funerals, 400 junior confirmations and 288 adult confirmations; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre is an avid golfer and sports fan, especially a fan of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball; and

WHEREAS, Richard Harre and his wife, Ruth, have lived at the Trinity Lutheran Church's parsonage since 1970; they will be moving to their new home in Auburn after retiring; he and Ruth are looking forward to their days of travel, golf, viewing sports, and leisure time; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Richard Harre as he retires on April 30, 2013, after serving over 42 years at Trinity Lutheran Church, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Richard Harre as an expression of our esteem and respect.