RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Eden United Church of Christ, a community anchor for families on the Northwest Side of Chicago, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in May of 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this prestigious occasion by the Honorable John Arena, Alderman of the 45th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Fourteen families founded the church 100 years ago when they immigrated from Schwed, Germany, and neighboring towns along the Volga River. The first services were held in an abandoned carpenter shop, and were open to both Lutherans and Evangelical Reform families. These founders together elected a church council, selected Reverend H.A. Schmidt to be the first pastor, and gave their new congregation the name "Eden Evangelical Lutheran Church"; and
WHEREAS, On May 28,1914, the ladies of Eden United Church of Christ formed the first women's organization called the Frauenverein ("Ladies' Society"), and helped support the church by creating and selling beautiful handicrafts; and
WHEREAS, On February 3,1928, a new church building was dedicated on the corner of Leclaire and Gunnison; and
WHEREAS, Worship services within the immigrant community were originally conducted only in German; it was not until 1933 that services were also held in English. As the congregation modernized, the physical separation of men and women during services was ended and in 1953 women were granted the right to vote in the congregation; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, a new education building was erected; an old horse barn and hay loft were converted into a garage and meeting space for the congregation's scout troop; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, the original name of the congregation was changed to Eden United Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Adolph "Spike" Dubs, a member of the church who served as the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and was killed during the Russian conflict in Afghanistan in 1979, is honored by a flag pole dedicated in his name; and
WHEREAS, The Eden United Church of Christ, as it begins its second century of service to the community, is now led by Pastor Steve Angel; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirtieth day of April, 2014 do hereby congratulate Eden United Church of Christ on their centennial celebration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Pastor Angel and Eden United Church of Christ.