[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MAUMEE

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 1995
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today in honor of 
the 175th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church located in 
Ohio's 9th district.
  Beginning on January 9, 1820, with the settlement of 11 pioneers as 
charter members, the contributions of the First Presbyterian Church 
have stretched through a rich and diverse history. Built on a site that 
was once used to house a British battery, the founders of Maumee, 
Ohio's First Presbyterian Church began a mission to provide spiritual 
guidance and sustenance that continues today.
  Like all churches, First Presbyterian's greatest asset and resource 
is her congregation. Even as Maumee's prosperity began to shift to the 
neighboring city of Toledo and membership was declining rapidly, the 
church members continued their mission. In 1870, when it became 
impossible to meet the pastor's salary of $900 and he was subsequently 
transferred to a larger parish, First Presbyterian's congregation 
pulled together and raised the resources necessary to maintain and 
continue the church's ministry.
  As everyone in this historic Chamber knows, America's greatest 
strength is her communities and their willingness to contribute in 
times of national need and emergency. In keeping with this tradition 
and beginning with the Civil War, and continuing with World War I, 
World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam, the church made 
innumerable and immeasurable contributions from her congregation and 
her ministry. Now, this proud history and tradition has become the 
wellspring of the church's continuing efforts to respond to today's 
challenges with a new era of service and devotion.
  As the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Maumee begins 
to respond to new challenges and create tomorrow's history, let us 
remember the contributions of its first 175 years--and congratulate 
them on their willingness to serve their community, their country, and 
their fellow man.


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