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"I am heartened to be
surrounded by family, friends and fellow state leaders as we begin
four more years of working for the people," Blagojevich said. "I'm
honored and humbled to serve as governor, and I pray for the
guidance and wisdom every day to continue to make decisions that
help make things better for working families." The program brought
together traditions from many of Illinois' religious groups. In
addition to the clergy leading the service, the constitutional
officers invited their religious authorities to lead their prayers
of commitment. Musicians and choirs from Springfield, Decatur and
Chicago provided various musical selections. All parts of the
program fit within the peace theme, which was chosen to
symbolize embracing humanity and the citizenry to move the state
forward in
addressing the most basic human needs -- be it health care,
education or safety.
The First Presbyterian Church in Springfield also boasts a
history rich in Illinois traditions. Abraham Lincoln and his family
worshiped there from 1850 to 1861, when Lincoln left Springfield to
assume the duties of president. The Lincoln family pew, from the
church's original location at Third and Washington streets, is still
kept in the church.
The service began as organist Dr. Rudolf Zuiderveld invited
parishioners into the First Presbyterian Church with a selection
performed on the church's John Brombaugh Opus 35 pipe organ. The
organ was crafted explicitly for the church by master American organ
builder John Brombaugh. The organ features 3,250 pipes, three
manuals and a pedal with 46 stops and has captured national and
international attention since its installation in 2000. A native of
the Netherlands, Zuiderveld serves as the First Presbyterian
Church's organist as well as professor of music and college organist
at Illinois College.
As the procession of constitutional officers and clergy walked
toward the pulpit, choirs of First Presbyterian Church and New
Mission Church of God in Springfield, led by directors Susan Harris
and Merle McNeese, led the congregation in "America the Beautiful."
Driss El Akrich, principal of the Sunday Islamic School at the Islamic Society of
Greater Springfield, read a passage of scripture. The
Islamic Society, which serves close to 200 families in the
Springfield area, helps Muslims to carry out religious, social,
civic, charitable and literary activities according to the teachings
of Islam. Since its founding in 1994, the society has focused on
education and communication with Muslims and non-Muslims alike to
create a better understanding of Islam.
Rabbi Michael Datz of Temple B'rith Sholom in Springfield read
another passage of scripture. Temple B'rith Sholom, the oldest
Jewish congregation in central Illinois, boasts services that are
known throughout the community for their beauty, dignity, music and
inspiration. Datz has been at Temple B'rith Sholom since 1992, in
that time serving as a board member for many of central Illinois'
important charitable organizations, including the Central Illinois
Food Bank, the Springfield Jewish Federation, the Springfield Board
of Jewish Education and the Springfield Liturgical Arts Council.
Before coming to Springfield, Datz led congregations in South Africa
and the Netherlands.
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 The choirs of the First Presbyterian Church and New Mission
Church of God led the congregation in "Let There Be Peace on Earth."
Then the Rev. Dr. Clifford J. Hayes of the First Presbyterian
Church delivered a prayer of dedication. Hayes' pastoral focus is
church revitalization and spiritual development of leaders. He
concentrated his studies for his doctor of ministry degree in
mediation and conflict resolution. Since 1999, he has trained in
family systems in congregations, including healthy congregation
facilitator training.
The Kingdom Come Ministries Praise and Worship Team of Decatur
sang "Total Praise," by Richard Smallwood, a song which gives thanks
to the Lord for giving strength in times of struggle. The worship
team is led by Apostle William and Lady Donna Rogers, ministers of
Kingdom Come.
Following the musical selection, each constitutional officer was
led in a prayer of commitment by clergy of their choosing. Bishop
Arthur Brazier of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago led
Blagojevich in his religious oath to the people of Illinois. The
governor was followed by the Rev. Richard LaPata, president of
Fenwick High School in Oak Park leading Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn; the Rev.
Mike Byrnes, pastor of the Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, leading
Attorney General Lisa Madigan; the Rev. Marvin Alexander of Union
Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago leading Secretary of State
Jesse White; the Rev. John A. Farry of St. Andrew Catholic Church in
Chicago leading Comptroller Daniel W. Hynes; and Father John Kalomas
of St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago leading
Treasurer-elect Alex Giannoulias in their prayers of commitment.
Following these prayers, the worship team from Decatur sang "Open
the Eyes of My Heart," by Paul Baloche.
The Rev. Sen. James T. Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago
then gave a message to the congregation. Meeks has been the pastor
of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago since 1985, and the church has
grown from 200 to 24,000 followers under his leadership. As a state
senator for the 15th District in Chicago, he has advocated for
school reform and housing affordability. Meeks is the chairman of
the Housing and Community Affairs Committee and vice chairman of the
Commerce and Economic Development Committee. Additionally, he is a
member of the Senate Commerce, Appropriations, Education, Higher
Education and Senate Education Funding Reform committees.
Finally, the constitutional officers came together to light the
unity candle in celebration of another four years serving the people
of Illinois in harmony.
Georgia Northrup, senior elder of First Presbyterian Church, and
the Rev. W.G. Robinson-McNeese, M.D., of New Mission Church of God
then recited the benediction.
As the constitutional officers made their way through the
recession, the participating choirs from the First Presbyterian
Church, New Mission Church of God and Kingdom Come Ministries came
together to sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth," bringing the theme
of peace full circle.
[News release from the governor's office] |
