[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   KILDEE SALUTES 75 YEARS OF WORSHIP AT BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join me in commemorating the 75th 
anniversary of Bethany Presbyterian Church serving my hometown of 
Flint, MI. The anniversary will be marked with the installation of two 
former pastors of the church, Rev. Bert Clark and Don Lomas as Pastors 
Emeritus. The celebration will continue with a potluck dinner to be 
held after services on Sunday, October 2, 1994.
  The long and very distinguished history of Bethany Presbyterian 
Church began in October 1918 when Mr. and Mrs. Robert Seaton started a 
Sunday School in the 1700 block of Delaware Ave. On May 11, 1919, a 
committee of Flint Presbyters met and formally organized Bethany 
Presbyterian Church with 21 charter members. The Rev. George B. 
Crawford was installed as the first pastor of Bethany, with William 
Mrohs and Robert Seaton serving as the first elders. In 1921, Bethany 
purchased four lots at the corner of Delaware and Franklin Aves. and 
the first building was completed in 1923.
  The Rev. E. Gordon Black became pastor in June 1930. Under Rev. 
Black's guidance, work began on a new building at the corner of 
Nebraska and Minnesota Aves. during the summer of 1948. Many members of 
the church generously dedicated their time, talents, and resources to 
complete this building. The proud members held their first worship 
service in the new building on March 13, 1949 and the dedication 
ceremony was held on May 15, 1949.
  Throughout it's history, Bethany has been truly blessed to be served 
by such dedicated servants of the Lord. When Reverend Black retired 
after 29 years of distinguished service, Rev. Donald Hart Gordon became 
pastor after serving as associate pastor for 2 years. In August 1962, 
Rev. Donald F. Lomas became pastor. In response to the continued growth 
of the congregation and the need for new education facilities, a fully 
graded program was established in the new Church School in the mid-
1960's.
  The Reverend Bert E. Clark was called as pastor in 1970, following 
Reverend Lomas' retirement. Reverend Clark served Bethany as pastor for 
over two decades. His dedication and commitment to serving the Lord was 
and remains an inspiration to his congregation and the community as a 
whole.
  Reverend Clark retired on January 1, 1991, and the church was served 
well by Rev. George McMican and Rev. Harry Capps, until Rev. James 
Offrink was installed as pastor of Bethany on March 1, 1992. Reverend 
Offrink, his wife, Sally, and their three children, Laura, Andrew, and 
Benjamin are welcome additions to the Bethany family.
  Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, our community is a much better place in 
which to live because of the 75 years of service, love, and spiritual 
support from Bethany Presbyterian Church. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating the congregation of Bethany Presbyterian Church 
for a wonderful, fulfilling 75 years, and in extending our best wishes 
and prayers for even greater success in the years ahead.

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