[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 17 (Friday, January 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E206-E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 27, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, this coming Sunday, January 29, 1995, the 
First United Methodist Church of Mount Clemens, in my home State of 
Michigan, is celebrating its 175th anniversary.
  As one of the oldest churches in the area, the First United Methodist 
Church dates back 
[[Page E207]] to when Mount Clemens was little more than a settlement 
in the wilderness of Michigan. The preachers were known as circuit 
riders because they traveled by horseback throughout the region serving 
the various churches. These preachers were like a pony express to the 
faithful, serving as a vital link to the pioneer families by delivering 
the word of God.
  From the very beginning, the founders of the First United Methodist 
Church of Mount Clemens were committed to seeing the emotional, 
educational, and spiritual needs of the community fulfilled. The 
commitment of the circuit riders and the faithful who used their homes 
as a place of worship helped meet needs too often neglected in the 
secular world.
  The link between First United Methodist and the development of the 
Mount Clemens community were and still remain evident to this day. 
Before the public library was established, the church library served 
the readers of the wilderness community. Judge Christian Clemens, for 
whom the city is named, often used his log court house to host church 
services. Today, the congregation has been assisting in projects such 
as McREST, the program for feeding and housing the homeless, and a 
newly developed program called Logos which emphasizes involving young 
people from the community in church related events. I commend the 
congregation for their ongoing work and faith.
  The 175th anniversary of the founding of the church is a proud 
milestone. As the community prepares to celebrate the event, I applaud 
the church for its contributions to the rich tapestry that makes up 
American life in Michigan. I urge my colleagues to join with me in 
wishing congratulations to all the members of the First United 
Methodist Church of Mount Clemens, MI. May the next 175 years be a 
continued fruitful ministry.


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