10-R292

2010 -- H 8183

Enacted 05/26/10

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF CHRIST CHURCH

Introduced By: Representatives Shallcross Smith, Almeida, and Carnevale

Date Introduced: May 26, 2010

     WHEREAS, In the late 1700s, Rhode Island was founded on the promise of religious

freedom. Shortly thereafter, the state became one of the front runners leading the charge towards

the industrial revolution, and it was during this era that mills and mill communities came into

prominence; and

     WHEREAS, The founders of Christ Church were the hard-working men, women, and

families who worked for the Lonsdale Mill Company. Beginning in 1833, they started meeting to

worship together, and by the end of 1834, the congregation enrolled 95 students in Sunday

School, performed 20 adult baptisms, and conducted two marriages and six funerals; and

     WHEREAS, The original church building was constructed in 1835 and served the

parishioners for almost fifty years. Under the devout guidance of the Reverend Phillips Brooks, a

dedication service was held for the new Christ Church structure which was built in 1884, after the

original building had burned due to a furnace problem; and

     WHEREAS, Designed by one of the foremost architects of the day, Christ Church was

and is an inspiration. With beautifully crafted stained glass windows located behind the chancel,

the church served as the hub for the community’s life on Sundays; and

     WHEREAS, Over the decades, Christ Church continued to adapt to the needs of the

community. In 1895, the parish house was built. Serving as a community center, it provided

showers, as well as meals several times a week. In the 1920s, the church went online with

electric lightning; and

     WHEREAS, The Great Depression took its toll on the American public, and many

churches saw diminishing attendance as area mills declined and mill operations migrated to the

South. The 1960s also saw churches devolve from the mainstream, leaving many to close their

doors or consolidate; and

     WHEREAS, Christ Church’s mission is to “to give people hope and empower them to

make that change.” Currently blessed by the outstanding and devout leadership of Reverend

Scott Gunn, the parish continues to flourish, providing for the spiritual needs of families from

Lonsdale and surrounding communities; and

     WHEREAS, This year marks the 175th Anniversary of worship at Christ Church. The

momentous occasion represents a major milestone for the church’s congregation and is to be

commemorated with numerous celebrations as well as a re-enactment of the original 1834 service

utilizing the same vestiges and liturgy; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates the congregation and ministry of Christ Church on

the church's joyous 175th Anniversary. We furthermore wish the church continued spiritual

success and many more years of community enrichment and service; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Reverend Scott Gunn.

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LC02574

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