[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1273-E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REPORT FROM INDIANA--FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 1996

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a special Report from 
Indiana. It is a special report because I was truly moved by a recent 
visit to a church in my hometown of Muncie, IN.
  On June 28, Ruthie and I visited a very special place, the First 
Baptist Church. Ruthie and I were so grateful and honored to be 
included in a patriotic celebration called Liberty, in honor of 
Independence Day.
  The musical celebration was directed by Steve Clarke, the minister of 
music. It truly captured the spirit of America in song.
  Dr. Edward Strother read patriotic passages from Abraham Lincoln and 
Ronald Reagan during the interludes. He echoed President Reagan's 
inaugural address in asking God that ``You would continue to hold us 
close as we fill the world with our song--a song of unity, affection, 
and love.'' He also quoted from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in saying, 
``We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--
that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and 
that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people 
shall not perish from the earth.''
  The production was amazing, screens flashed to the lyrics as our 
favorite patriotic songs were coordinated by a cast of all ages, from 
youngsters to seniors.
  Songs: Star Spangled Banner; Yankee Doodle; Columbia, the Gem of the 
Ocean; You're a Grand Old Flag; America the Beautiful; Fifty States in 
Rhyme; Oh Susanna; Home on the Range; Dixieland; Shenandoah; I've Been 
Working on the Railroad; Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier; U.S. Air Force; 
Caisson Go Rolling Along; Anchors Aweigh; Marine Corps Hymn; Battle 
Hymn of the Republic; From Where I Stand; The Golden Dream; My Country 
Tis of Thee; and The Pledge of Allegiance.
  The volunteers and staff at First Baptist Church, in Muncie, made 
``Liberty,'' a special patriotic program, a big success. Folks like, 
Elaine Hamilton, produced the event, worked the sound, made a huge 
contribution from behind the scenes. Their tribute and respect in honor 
of our Nation's birthday, made me proud. It made so many of us proud.
  So many folks made this patriotic event a very moving program. The 
entire staff and all

[[Page E1274]]

the volunteers at First Baptist Church, are to be commended for their 
heartfelt celebration honoring our country and freedom. I would like to 
say thank you for including us. It truly touched both of us.
  That, Mr. Speaker, is my Report from Indiana.


                    names to be entered into Record

       Steve & Debbie Clarke, Dr. Edward Strother, Elizabeth 
     Ratchford, Elaine Hamilton, Jana Allen, MaNell Gregg, Dirk 
     Harris, Andy Rees, Wendy Rees, Wes Russell, Mike Wilson, 
     Elsie Anderson, Walt Baker, Martha Bogle, Sharon Boyle, Wanda 
     Burns, Nancy Callahan, Helen Clark, Bill Conner, Earl Coulson 
     Jr., Susan Coulson, Lois Craig, Denzel Crist, Jack Cronin, 
     Dana Davis, Heather Davis.
       Barbara Eidson, Eleanor Fisk, Mary Flannery, Nellie Halt, 
     Jerry Hamilton, Bill Harris, Louise Head, Rodney Head, Harry 
     Irwin, Jacqueline Irwin, Pat Kissick, Nancy Kosar, Cathy 
     Mitchell, Kristin Murray, Connie Parker, Jane Patton, Lavenna 
     Putman, Bill Reid, Phobe Reid, Connie Thalls, Anson Tooley, 
     Barbara Turner, Betty Unger, Gaylon Washburn, Marsena 
     Washburn, Heidi Webb, Midge Wooters, Ashley Blackwell, 
     Stanley Blackwell, Robbie Craig, Samantha Ratchford.

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