[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E 1867]]


               TRIBUTE TO ST. MARY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 1995

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere 
congratulations to St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford, MI, as 
it celebrates the golden jubilee. This is certainly an important 
milestone in the history of St. Mary's, as well as the Kingsford 
community. I was pleased that I could be in Kingsford on August 12, 
1995, with Bishop Garland, Bishop Schmitt, Father Nomellini, all 
clergy, and the parish community to celebrate 50 years of honoring God 
and serving God's people.
  When St. Mary Queen of Peace Church was dedicated on August 12, 1945, 
amid the splendor of a Catholic ritual, it was the culmination of many 
years of efforts by the local community. Prior to that time, there were 
two downtown parishes in Iron Mountain, St. Mary and St. Joseph. Local 
parishioners found that the distances that had to be traveled to St. 
Mary and St. Joseph were a serious impediment to attending Sunday mass. 
It soon became clear, as the Kingsford area became more populated, that 
there was a need for a separate parish for Catholic families.
  In 1940, working with the permission of his bishop, Iron Mountain's 
Reverend Pelissier established a mission station in Kingsford Heights 
and placed in charge his assistant--your friend, my father's friend, 
and later the pastor of this parish--Rev. Arnold Thompson. As many of 
you know, and as I mentioned at Father Thompson's jubilee celebration, 
Father Thompson and my father were in seminary together. I am living 
proof that my father did not complete the seminary. My connection with 
this parish goes back even further, because my father taught Father Joe 
Gouin. Because of these ties, the Stupak family is always welcomed and 
made to feel part of the St. Mary Queen of Peace family.
  It was Reverend Thompson who impressed upon the people of this 
pioneer congregation their obligation in laying the ground work for the 
future parish. In 1941, five lots were purchased, and by 1942, mass was 
being offered every Sunday in a local community building by Rev. Arnold 
Thompson. Soon, catechism groups and a religious vacation school were 
organized. The enthusiasm for a separate parish ran high, and a fund 
was started for the planning and construction of a new church.
  Anxious to be declared a parish in its own right, the community 
secured a residence for a priest if the bishop would send one. Progress 
being made by the people of Kingsford so pleased the Bishop Francis 
Magner, that he deemed it time to send the resident priest and formally 
erect the parish. On June 14, 1944, His Excellency, the Bishop of 
Marquette, issued the decree that formed St. Mary Queen of Peace parish 
in Kingsford Heights, and Rev. Gerald Harrington was appointed as its 
first pastor.
  The work of excavation began in August 1944 on the lots purchased in 
1941, and the decorative cornerstone, containing documents of parish, 
diocesan, and national history, was laid in October. Many distinguished 
clergymen from the Midwest were present to celebrate the occasion.

  On August 12, 1945, the beautiful church of St. Mary Queen of Peace 
Church was dedicated. Future pastors, including the second resident 
priest, Rev. Thomas Anderson, contributed to the internal decoration of 
the church, such as the striking stained glass windows.
  Fifty years later, we are celebrating not only the construction of 
this church, but more important, we are paying tribute to the profound 
effect this church has had on the Kingsford community. This church and 
its theological leaders have provided spiritual guidance and religious 
education to this community for 50 years, and that is truly something 
to celebrate.
  In 1995, this Nation is faced with a variety of problems that affect 
our families and our young people. That's why it is so important to 
have a center of worship. This church provides a foundation of faith 
that is necessary in today's society.
  So today, I am pleased to pay tribute to the leaders of this church 
and its parishioners for the enormous contributions they have made to 
the Kingsford community and Marquette diocese. And I hope my family and 
I are invited back to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the St. Mary 
Queen of Peace Church.
  I know my colleagues join me in honoring the parish community of St. 
Mary Queen of Peace Church as they celebrate its golden jubilee.

                          ____________________