HR0601 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0601 LRB096 14529 KXB 29360 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend Dr. Willie Ray Davis and the congregation of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on the 90th anniversary of the church; and

WHEREAS, The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the home of Brother and Sister Brumfield in October of 1918; the first pastor was Reverend Charles Brooks, Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Upon Reverend Brooks leaving to return to Louisiana, Reverend Thomas Emerson Brown was called to serve as the new pastor and accepted the call in April of 1919; and

WHEREAS, In 1920 the church became a member of the Bethlehem District Association; the Sunday School Department was also organized in 1920 and today consists of nine departments and numerous classes; and

WHEREAS, The Usher Board was organized in 1925 and the Youth Usher Board in 1932; the Senior Choir was organized in 1920 and the Junior Choir in 1931; the Gospel Chorus and the Male Chorus were organized in 1932; the Young People's Choir and Here Am I Chorale and Glee Chorus were added to the church in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Other pastors to serve the church include Reverend H.G. Robinson, Reverend Retha B. Brown, Reverend Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock, and current pastor Reverend Dr. Willie Ray Davis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the people of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church on this momentous occasion and wish them the best in the future as they continue to reach the people of Chicago; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. Willie Ray Davis and the congregation of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church as a symbol of our sincere respect.