[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  ST. JOSEPH PARISH: 175TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th 
anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph parish in Erie, Michigan 
which is located in my Congressional District.
  The present church is the third structure to have served the people 
of Erie. In 1819, pioneering parishioners erected a simple structure 
made with logs and roofed with tree bark where they could express their 
faith. The community then known as the Bay Settlement was made up of 
hunters, trappers, fur traders, and farmers. The church was one of only 
four in the whole archdiocese of Detroit. The people of Bay Settlement 
relied on the lake to travel, as well as to receive their ministry, 
made up of Jesuit priests. In the beginning years, Father Gabriel 
Richard occasionally traveled to the area.
  In 1826, the original structure was replaced by a wood frame church, 
and by 1833 the church was occupied by its first resident pastor, 
Father J. DeBruyn. The St. Joseph parish continued to prosper allowing 
work to begin on the present building, which was completed in 1852, 
under the leadership of Father Peter Warlop. The church was built of 
brick, with strong, thick walls, sloping roofs, and a towering steeple. 
It was a remarkable architectural achievement.
  The church of St. Joseph has inspired the people of Erie as their 
community has grown. Serving as a symbol of hope for the future and 
reminding them of their predecessors' faith, the church has been a 
source of great strength for those who worship there. Today it remains 
a focal point of the community serving more than 630 families. It also 
provides invaluable instruction for the young people of Erie and helps 
to promote their growth and development. The church school assists 193 
students in the first years of their learning, from pre-kindergarten 
through the eighth grade. All this is made possible by the hard work 
and sound leadership of Father Joseph Plawecki and Rev. Mr. Wesley 
Cousino.
  The rich history of St. Joseph parish, and the lasting tradition of 
those that worship there, represent the outstanding values that have 
built our Nation. The commitment and determination of the congregation 
and people of Erie are illustrated by their strong desire to build on 
past successes. They are marking this important anniversary with the 
construction of a new activities center which includes a social hall 
and a gym. The completion of these facilities will allow the parish to 
continue to serve the people of southeast Monroe County well into the 
next century.
  Mr. Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating the congregation of St. Joseph on reaching this 
milestone in their history and to wish them similar success in the 
future.

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