Bill Text: IL HR1035 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Dr. Mark Allen McConnell, a devoted pastor, an accomplished author, and a revered denominational leader.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-09-24 - Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth [HR1035 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR1035-Introduced.html

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HR1035 LRB104 23377 JDS 39851 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Mark
Allen McConnell, a devoted pastor, an accomplished author, and
a revered denominational leader, who passed away on September
12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell, born in Kansas City, Kansas on
February 7, 1963, pursued a call to ministry and higher
education early in life, earning a bachelor's degree in
religion and philosophy from Bishop College, a Master of
Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a
Doctor of Theology; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell delivered his first sermon in 1984,
received his ordination in 1985, and began his pastoral
ministry in 1989, ultimately leading Southside First Baptist
Church in Kansas City, Missouri, shepherding Prince of Peace
Missionary Baptist Church in Peoria, and serving as the
founding senior pastor of New Cornerstone Baptist Church in
Peoria; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell served as moderator of the Central
Illinois Baptist District Association for two terms and was
elected president of the Baptist General State Convention of

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Illinois in 2022 after 33 years of active membership; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell extended his leadership to the
national stage as chairman of the Executive Board of the
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., having also served as
vice moderator of the New Era Baptist District of Kansas City,
Missouri, and as a member of the Missouri Baptist State
Convention; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell demonstrated decades of unwavering
commitment to the ministry, was revered as a compassionate
pastor and prominent leader in missions, and authored eight
books; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell leaves a profound and enduring
legacy of faith, leadership, and unconditional love; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell was preceded in death by his
parents, Johnnie and Jimmie Mae McConnell; his siblings,
Shirley A. Barner and Carlton McConnell; and his
father-in-law, Buddy L. Riddle; and
WHEREAS, Dr. McConnell is survived by his wife of 37
years, Paris E. Riddle-McConnell; his sons, Mark Allen Moses
(Alicia) McConnell, Caleb Allen Mark McConnell, and Matthew
Allen McConnell; his grandchildren, Jayden, Jordan, Jaxon, and

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Kendyl Arielle (Daija); his siblings, Janice M. McConnell,
John D. McConnell, Dennis J. (Evangela) McConnell, and
Christopher L. (Tracy) McConnell; his mother-in-law, Delores
M. Riddle; the faithful congregation of New Cornerstone
Baptist Church; and a host of other friends and family;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of Dr. Mark Allen McConnell and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Dr. Mark Allen McConnell as an
expression of our deepest sympathy.