[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               ST. JUDE'S CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______


                           HON. SHERROD BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 1994

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize 
the achievements of the Saint Jude Parish in Elyria, OH. On October 31, 
1993, this remarkable church celebrated 50 years of service to the 
community.
  On October 14, 1943, Father John A. Carrabine was appointed as the 
first pastor of the newly established St. Jude Parish in Elyria. 
Although the parish had a pastor and parishioners, they were still 
lacking a permanent location. The first mass was celebrated at Ely 
School auditorium on October 17, 1943. Sunday masses continued there 
for approximately 1 year, with parishioners setting up the altar and 
chairs each Saturday, and disassembling each Sunday.
  In 1944, the old Abbe homestead, a 116-year-old brick building was 
acquired, and plans were made to remodel it as the first church. With 
the help of many parishioners, the first floor was made into a chapel 
accommodating 200 people, and the basement was made into a parish hall 
and kitchen. The upper front was converted into living quarters for the 
pastor.
  The new church was dedicated on October 28, 1944, during the Feast of 
Saint Jude, by Archbishop Edward F. Hoban to serve the 175 registered 
families. The first novena to Saint Jude was held that year.
  Four years later in May 1948, a 21-acre tract of land on Poplar 
Street in Elyria was purchased for a combination church and school. The 
school opened in the fall of 1950 with 132 students and a staff of 
three Sisters of Notre Dame and one lay teacher.
  On October 31, 1993, Saint Jude's Church of Elyria paused to honor 
and praise the deep and abiding commitment of its many past and present 
members. Over the years this church has been blessed with members who 
have given unselfishly to provide valuable human services where the 
need continues to be so great.
  Several individuals have exemplified the generous giving for which 
Saint Jude's has become known. The most recent being Rev. Frank P. 
Kosem, who was named Saint Jude's fourth pastor on June 27, 1985. The 
efforts of Pastor Kosem, and his predecessors have done much to enhance 
the cultural, spiritual, and educational development of Elyria area 
residents.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my colleagues 
to join me in recognizing the Saint Jude Church of Elyria, and its many 
members. As they celebrate their 50-year anniversary, let us remember 
the church's true commitment to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the 
spirit of all people.

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