[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        150 YEARS OF INSPIRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the strength, stability, and inspiration 
provided by one's church is one of the most reassuring things in our 
lives. The congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Frankenlust 
Township have had the benefit of their church for the past 150 years, 
and will this Sunday observe their Sesquicentennial as part of their 
year-long celebration.
  St. Paul Lutheran Church was founded by Rev. Ferdinand Sievers and 
fourteen Bavarian Lutheran immigrants on June 22, 1848 in the barn of 
Gerhard Dierker near what is now Saginaw. St. Paul was the first 
Lutheran congregation in present day Bay County. A log cabin church was 
dedicated on the present church cemetery site on Squaconning Creek in 
Frankenlust Township on November 21, 1849, until a frame church was 
dedicated on October 4, 1857. The present church was dedicated on 
December 17, 1905, and has undergone a major renovation in 1977, and 
significant repairs to the roof, steeple, and entrance following a fire 
caused by lightning in 1984. The church edifice and cemetery were 
listed in the Michigan Register of Historic Sites on June 5, 1997.
  St. Paul Church has also operated its elementary school since 1848, 
when Pastor Sievers served as the teacher of five students. The current 
school, the third in the Church's history, has 101 students ranging 
from pre-school through the eighth grade.
  Since 1848, St. Paul has been served by eleven pastors who have 
helped to bring the teachings of the church to thousands of people over 
the past 150 years. Many families have had the privilege of looking 
back at the importance of St. Paul at moments of joy and others of 
sadness to themselves and their families. The current pastor, the Rev. 
Paul D. Theiss, provides spiritual guidance to a baptized membership of 
one thousand, carrying on a history of sanctuary and encouragement.
  Mr. Speaker, we should never underestimate the power of prayer or the 
influence of one's church. The sesquicentennial of St. Paul Lutheran 
Church is a special event, ad one we wish for so many other places of 
worship. I ask that you and all of our colleagues join me in wishing 
Rev. Theiss and the congregation of St. Paul the very best on this 
occasion, with our fond wishes for many more anniversaries to come.

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