[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     A SESQUICENTENNIAL TRIBUTE TO MILWAUKEE'S ST. JOHN'S CATHEDRAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride today that I 
celebrate an important event in the city of Milwaukee's history. The 
summer of 1997 marks the sesquicentennial of Milwaukee's St. John's 
Cathedral. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting this parish's 
remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions to a great 
community.
  In May 1844 Milwaukee's first bishop, John Martin Henni, arrived in 
Wisconsin. As Ordinary of the Milwaukee See, Bishop Henni devoted 37 
years to the betterment of the Milwaukee area. In an era of expansion, 
Bishop Henni looked to the future. Perhaps his most impressive 
accomplishment was overseeing the construction of St. John's Cathedral.
  Bishop Henni's purchase of nearly an acre of ground on which to erect 
his new cathedral proved to be an ambitious endeavor. While many people 
felt the Bishop was too zealous, his energy and vision resulted in the 
successful construction of one of the most majestic structures in 
Milwaukee. In addition to its physical beauty, St. John's Cathedral 
contributed to the community's rich culture enjoyed by its first 
settlers. It is in the spirit of Milwaukee's first immigrants that St. 
John's Cathedral continues to add to Milwaukee's community.
  The dedication of the men and women of St. John's parish makes our 
community a better place to live. Throughout its 150 years of 
existence, the people of St. John's have persevered. In January 1935, 
St. John's Cathedral suffered a devastating fire. It was the unselfish 
work of the entire Archdiocese that allowed St. John's to be 
reconstructed. Today, St. John's Cathedral remains one of the most 
prominent structures in the city.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to St. 
John's Cathedral. I join with the city of Milwaukee in wishing this 
outstanding parish a happy sesquicentennial and continued success in 
our community.

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