Whereas, Portland’s First United Methodist Church established the day of April 20^th as a Day of Dedication for the Mary L. Collins Pipe Organ in 2008; and

Whereas, Portland’s First United Methodist Church was the City of Portland’s first organized church; and

Whereas, Portland’s First Church Choir was the first church choir organized west of the Mississippi and celebrated its 150^th Anniversary in 2001; and

Whereas, Portland’s First Church Music Program is a vibrant and cohesive element of its congregation which brings many community members together for a diverse musical program for all ages; and

Whereas, Portland’s First Church dedicates its re-built and expanded Mary L. Collins Pipe Organ today, April 20, 2008, making it the largest pipe organ North of San Francisco on the West Coast through a generous gift of the Collins Family and Collins Foundation; and

Whereas, the pipe organ dedicated at Portland’s First Church is a musical treasure to the City of Portland;

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of Portland, do hereby declare April 20^th, 2008, as a

Day of Appreciation for Portland’s First Church

in Portland, and encourage all residents to honor this day of Portland to observe this day, to celebrate the cultural riches our community offers, and to recognize the important role of music in creating and sustaining this great nation with ceremonies, activities, and programs.