HR0295 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0295 LRB098 11914 MST 45234 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the 200th anniversary of the West Eden Church; and

WHEREAS, The West Eden Church was established in 1813 by Hezekiah West; feeling the need for religious faith and education in the lives of those in the community, he originally used his home as the church and school for his family and a small settlement of nearby neighbors; due to the migration of people into the area, it soon became necessary to have larger quarters for the school and church; in 1813, the present site was chosen and a log church was constructed as the second Methodist church in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The present church building was constructed in 1876 and dedicated in 1879; it has been remodeled and improved extensively on at least 2 occasions since original construction; and

WHEREAS, Early Methodist circuit rider, Peter Cartwright, visited and preached in the West Eden Church's original building as late as about 1870, beginning a continuous and active church organization providing religious experiences for the settlement over a period of 6 generations; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of the West Eden Church's 200th anniversary will take place on June 23, 2013; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 200th anniversary of the West Eden Church and wish them many more years of continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the West Eden Church as an expression of our esteem and respect.