HR0746 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0746 LRB099 14196 MST 38254 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the First United Methodist Church of Normal on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The church had its beginnings in the home of Andrew and Nancy Mason on the night of September 5, 1865 with only 23 initial members; Rev. C.D. James was appointed as the church's first pastor; and

WHEREAS, The church's first building was dedicated on June 7, 1867, predating the establishment of the Town of Normal itself and was originally known as the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Normal; and

WHEREAS, By 1951, the size of the congregation had grown to the point that 2 Sunday morning services were needed; this showed the need for a larger building, and on December 22, 1957, the congregants moved into the present building; the congregation continued to grow, reaching the point that 3 services were needed each Sunday morning and a Saturday service beginning in December of 1991; soon construction began on an addition to the building, which opened on Palm Sunday in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Andrew and Nancy Mason's home, where the church was founded, became a haven for retired Methodist Deaconesses and was overseen by Nancy Mason for 35 years after her husband's death; her concern for the welfare of the old and young, especially the orphaned, led to their home becoming The Baby Fold; and

WHEREAS, Today, the church also supports the Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana, Chaddock in Quincy, the United Methodist Children's Home in Mt. Vernon, Home Sweet Home Ministries, The Salvation Army, and other local and regional missions; it is an international partner in faith and service to schools and hospitals in Liberia and Zimbabwe; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the First United Methodist Church of Normal on its 150th anniversary and we wish them many more years of success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the First United Methodist Church of Normal as an expression of our esteem and respect.