HR1502 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1502 LRB095 22348 KXB 52678 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Greater Mount Olive Church of God in Christ in Aurora will honor Bishop William H. Bonner on his 87th birthday, September 13, 2008 with a brunch buffet; and

WHEREAS, Bishop William Haven Bonner was born September 13, 1921 in Blythesville, Arkansas to the late Brother Eddie and Mattie Bonner; he was saved at the age of thirteen and was called to the ministry shortly thereafter; and

WHEREAS, He began his ministry career as a Pastor, Leader, and Junior Pastor at the Hill Street Church of God in Christ in Waukegan; and he was Y.P.W.W. President of the North Shore District and District Superintendent under the late Bishop William Roberts; and

WHEREAS, He married Dorothy Green on March 2, 1942; together they were blessed with three daughters, Eyness, Willie Etta, and Dorothy; and their son, the late Charles Edward; and

WHEREAS, In 1944 Bishop Bonner received a commission to pastor in Aurora; the first ground-braking ceremony was held in April of 1948 at 1039 Pond Avenue for The Greater Mount Olive Church of God in Christ; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Bonner is dedicated to the Aurora community and has seen his vision mature with the growth and expansion of the church several times over the years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Bishop Bonner on his birthday and wish him the best in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop William H. Bonner as a symbol of our respect.