[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LUKE CHURCH

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the 75th 
anniversary of St. Luke Church in Lakewood, OH. In 1922, Bishop Joseph 
Schrembs established the parish of St. Luke, the Evangelist.
  Lacking suitable facilities in which to hold mass, a large tent was 
erected on the grounds of a nearby convent where Sunday masses were 
held. The parishioners continued to have services under the tent for 
2\1/2\ months. Even though they had numerous weather problems, 
especially during the bitter cold winter, the determination of Fr. 
Nolan, the parishioners, and a group of Charity nuns was all that was 
needed to build the tent back up whenever it fell.
  On August 24, 1922, a contract was signed to build a frame church. 
Fr. Nolan's prayers for a permanent church structure were answered. In 
1928, it became not only a place for worship but also a place for 
education when a school was built around the church.
  By 1950, it was apparent that larger facilities were needed to 
accommodate the growing St. Luke community. A new church was 
constructed in 13 months with much of the materials coming from 
Ireland, Germany, France, and Italy. The church was again remodeled in 
1984. An addition was constructed on one side of the church enlarging 
the priests' sacristy. Improvements were made in the school as well, 
where a library and media center were added.
  The Church of St. Luke, the Evangelist has come a long way from its 
humble beginnings in a tent in a field. St. Luke has grown to be a 
place for education, worship, and community involvement over the past 
75 years, and I wish the congregation continued success in the future.

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