HR0971 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0971 LRB103 43585 ECR 76925 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Rockford on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, In 1924, Reverend Thomas P. McGee, who proceeded to lead the church for the next 35 years, and seven others gathered to organize New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, later purchasing a worship location in 1925; and

WHEREAS, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church has endured through global conflicts, depressions and recessions, social upheaval, and global pandemics, demonstrating a commitment to faith while continuing to serve as a beacon of light within the community; and

WHEREAS, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church's community-focused approach has driven the church to combat blight, work with law enforcement to create public safety initiatives, institute a legal clinic, the Gospel Justice Center, and establish its Mental Health Wellness Ministry, among other community projects; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Reverend K. Edward Copeland, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church moved into a new facility in 2019, and the church continues to expand its attendance even during trends of declining church attendance; and

WHEREAS, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church remains open and warmly inviting to all those interested in attending; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on its 100th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize New Zion Missionary Baptist Church for its unwavering dedication to the betterment of its community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend K. Edward Copeland of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church as an expression of our esteem and respect.