HR1234 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1234 LRB100 23647 MST 42692 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, St. Luke was founded in 1918 by six deacons, three ministers, and a few members; they were initially located on South State Street in a place described as "church row" because of the many small store front churches located there; their membership grew, and a new edifice was purchased on South Indiana Avenue; at one time, church membership reached over 800 people who faithfully attended each Sunday; and

WHEREAS, St. Luke has a history of celebrity attendance; over the years, members have included Mahalia Jackson and jazz and blues singer, Dinah Washington, whose wedding and funeral were held there; Sam Cooke and R&B group The Emotions visited when they were children; Mayors Richard J. and Richard M. Daley, Roland Burris, Harold Washington, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, and President Bill Clinton have all worshiped there; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, St. Luke has partnered with local leaders to help bring resources to the local community; food pantries, clothing giveaways, computer training classes, back to school activities and services, and community forums have been organized; it has also held town hall meetings so candidates can meet and greet voters from the congregation and surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, St. Luke is currently led by Pastor Rev. Scott Onque; its theme for the year has been "From Generation to Generation", which will culminate with a gala on September 28, 2018 at the South Shore Cultural Center and an anniversary celebration on October 28, 2018; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on its 100th anniversary and we wish them many more successful years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church as a symbol of our respect and esteem.