[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1673]]


                   IN HONOR OF DR. RUSSELL F. BLOWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one of 
the best men I have had the privilege to know. His life reflects his 
life's work: Preaching the message of Jesus. Dr. Russell F. Blowers has 
served his congregation at East 91st Street Christian Church in 
Indianapolis for 45 years. As Russ retires I am filled with mixed 
emotions. While I am happy that he will be able to have time for new 
ventures, he will be sorely missed in the weeks, months, and years to 
come.
  Under his committed leadership, Dr. Blowers has seen church 
membership grow from 85 people on his first Sunday, to nearly 4,000, 
making it one of Indiana's largest congregations. East 91st Street 
Church has provided a myriad of ways for its members to serve, grow 
spiritually, and evangelize. Russ attributes this amazing growth to 
having stayed true to the Christian scriptures. By God's grace, Russ 
has remained faithful to the gospel by preaching the lordship of Jesus 
Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, the essential plan of salvation 
through the Cross and resurrection, and the inerrant nature of the 
divinely inspired Word of God.
  Russ Blowers has preached about issues that transcend politics and 
reflect unchangeable Biblical truths, such as opposition to abortion 
and that homosexuality is against God's will. Russ has counseled 
Senator Richard Lugar, former Vice President Dan Quayle, Representative 
Andy Jacobs, and myself, a member of the church since 1981. Andy Jacobs 
has said, ``I think Russ's legacy will be that he showed us all the 
potential of the human heart. He showed us what a considerable 
contribution one person can make by simply seeking to love and be loved 
in return.'' I wholeheartedly agree with my colleague. Russ Blowers has 
lived out the words he has preached. He is Christ-like.
  Russ was born in Zanesville, OH, in 1924. He is a World War II 
veteran, having served with the 343d Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter 
Group of the 8th Air Force in England and Germany. After his return 
from the 8th Air Force, Russ entered Ohio University as a journalism-
advertising major and met his future wife, Marian. She introduced Russ 
to Christianity. ``She didn't beat me over the head with the Bible.'' 
he says. ``She just lived the life and answered my dumb questions about 
the Bible. I fell in love with her first and then with my Lord.''
  After graduation from Ohio University, Russ received a Master of 
Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary and Milligan College later 
conferred on him with the Doctor of Divinity. Dr. Russ Blowers became 
pastor of East 49th Street Christian Church in 1951. As the church 
grew, the congregation changed its name when it moved to 6049 East 91st 
Street. Russ Blowers preached his final sermon on September 8, 1996. He 
sums up his ministry by reflecting, ``Above all, as I close this phase 
of my ministry, I give God the glory for whatever has been 
accomplished. He has been faithful to me beyond my deserving, and my 
most precious honor is being one of His children, one of His 
servants.''
  Russ has also been involved in ministry beyond his local 
congregation. He has preached in 11 nations and has hosted nine tour 
groups to Europe and the Middle East. He hosted ``The Chapel Door'' 
live on WISH-TV daily for 12 years. Russ has also been a contributing 
columnist for ``The Lookout Magazine'' as well as the church's 
newsletter ``The 91st Edition.''
  Russ and Marian have two sons: Philip, Marion County deputy 
prosecuting attorney; and Paul, associate professor of church history 
at Emmanuel School of Religion. Their accomplished sons will confirm 
that this Pastor who loved the congregation of East 91st Street is the 
same genuine article at home with his family as he is in the pulpit. 
The Blowers also have four grandchildren: Shannon, Alison, Leslie, and 
Colin.
  Russ has not only been a great pastor, he has also been my good 
friend and confidant through the years. May the Lord continue to bless 
Russ and Marian very generously in the years to come, in the way that 
they have been a blessing to others.

                          ____________________