HR0633 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0633 LRB098 14439 MST 49131 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize Zion United Church of Christ in Marion as it celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding from April through December of 2013; and

WHEREAS, The Zion United Church of Christ was organized on October 13, 1888 by a group of farmers of German and Swiss heritage who saw the need for religious and educational guidance; they organized a congregation under the leadership of the Reverend Ed Schweizer and the church's first building was a small-frame structure built largely by volunteers on West Cherry Street; its dedication took place in March 1889 and the church was known as Evangelische Zions Gemeinde zu Marion, Williams County, Illinois; the church had 20 initial members in its congregation; and

WHEREAS, The Zion United Church of Christ underwent changes and additions throughout the years; in 1908, a new steeple and bell tower were dedicated and the congregation had grown to 46; in 1924, a brick church of semi-gothic architecture was dedicated and in 1952, its name was changed to Zion Evangelical and Reform Church; the Education Building was dedicated in 1958 and a larger and redesigned sanctuary was dedicated in 1971; in 1975, with the merging of the Evangelical and Reformed Churches and the Congregational and Christian Churches in the United States, the church became known as Zion United Church of Christ, Marion, Illinois; a new wing to the east of the sanctuary was dedicated in 1989 and additional lands were acquired in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Plans for the 9-month long celebration include a Confirmation Reunion for all confirmed members and an ice cream social on June 9; in October 2013, a special service and potluck dinner will be held, with conference ministers and former pastors as special guests; in December 2013, some of the early Christmas traditions of the church will be re-enacted, including giving children "goodie bags" called "tuts" when they recite or sing; and

WHEREAS, The Zion United Church of Christ was the first in Marion to have a Christmas tree, or a "Tannenbaum", with a bucket of water nearby in case the tree caught fire from the candles; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion on its 125th anniversary, recognize the congregation as they celebrate the church's founding throughout 2013, and wish the congregation many more successful years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion as an expression of our esteem and respect.