HR1226 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1226 LRB096 22283 KXB 41260 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Pastor John H. Rice, Sr., of St. Bethel Church in Chicago Heights on his retirement; and

WHEREAS, He was born in Starkville, Mississippi and moved to Chicago Heights at the age of 4; he attended Franklin Elementary School, Washington Junior High, and Bloom Township High School; he attended LA City College, Chicago Baptist Institute, Moody Bible Institute, received an A.A. degree from Prairie State College, and received his B.A. from Governors State University; and

WHEREAS, He became the Pastor of St. Bethel Church on June 8, 1970; his dream was to build and open the Bethel Community Facility; today it is known as the "Miracle on Portland Street" and houses a doctor's office, pharmacy, banquet room, gymnasium, and classrooms; the facility provides showers, food, clothing, and lodging for the homeless year round, and offers several programs for the community, including job training; and

WHEREAS, He later opened the Bethel Annex, which serves as a warming and cooling center for the homeless; and

WHEREAS, During his pastorate he has ordained 25 male ministers and 15 female ministers; and

WHEREAS, His proud family includes his wife, Movita Tate; their children, Pastor John Rice, Jr. (wife, Minister Cherry Rice), Sharlolanda Rice-Ambrose (husband, Minister Claude Ambrose), Kyle J. Harrison, and Kandace Walker; their grandchildren are Minister Andrae Ambrose (wife, Arletha Ambrose), Dyonna Harrison, Netanya Rice, and Steven Harrison, Jr.; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Pastor Rice on his retirement and wish him all the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor John H. Rice, Sr., as a symbol of our respect and esteem.