Introduced by the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

WHEREAS, on February 4, 1864, a handful of men and women pledged support for a Congregational church and society in Lansing; and

WHEREAS, Plymouth is an independent, progressive church, independent in thought and action; not bound by old usages because they are old, nor do they fear to adopt new measures when the changes in society and human progress seem to demand it; and

WHEREAS, on February 25, 1971, a tragic fire destroyed the historic downtown Norman-Gothic structure that had housed Plymouth Congregational Church since 1874; and

WHEREAS, the determined congregation chose to rise like Phoenix from the ashes and after careful study the congregation decided to build a building representative of today= s culture and people to carry and promote Plymouth= s programs into future years; and

WHEREAS, ground was broken for this venture on March 17, 1974, the first service in the new building, a wedding, was held on August 9, 1975; and

WHEREAS, twenty five years later, on the verge of a new millennium, Plymouth Congregational Church has every reason to be proud of its heritage and to take up, once again, the charge laid down by their forebears.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby congratulate the Plymouth Congregational Church on twenty five years of occupancy in their new facility and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Reverend Penny Barnett and members of Plymouth Congregational Church for the contributions they have made to the community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners hereby extend its best wishes to them as they strive to become a responsive agency dedicated to meeting the needs of a changing society.