[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 151 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE SAINT GEORGE SOCIETY: A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON BAY COUNTY

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Saint George 
Society who has served the citizens of Bay City, Michigan, since 1887. 
One does not often find, in our relatively young country, an 
organization with a continuous history of serving their fellow citizens 
for 112 years. The Saint George Society, however, has consistently 
carried out their mission to serve their community without hesitation 
and with much devotion.
  Members of the Saint George Society have always vigorously upheld 
their pledge to aid the sick and needy among them. Although jobs were 
scarce and times were difficult in the early years of the society, they 
successfully raised money in order to help those in need. As their 
membership grew, the society was able to both rent space for their 
meetings at Pulaski Hall and continue to help the community in many 
significant ways.
  In the early 1920's, the Society gave 25 dollars to returning war 
veterans who had been members of the organization before leaving for 
the War. Also, as a result of the Society's exclusively Polish 
membership, they made substantial efforts to buy Polish War Bonds in 
order to aid Poland. By 1959, the Society had weathered the great 
depression, two wars and a changing world. In spite of this, by the end 
of the year they were able to expand their services to care for 
mentally disabled children. On August 23, 1981, they opened the doors 
of a new facility which allowed them even greater opportunity to serve 
and be a part of the community.
  On July 11, 1999, the Saint George Society celebrated many years of 
accomplishment by burning the mortgage on their property. As you can 
imagine, this was a very meaningful event for this organization which 
has given so much to Bay City. For them, burning this mortgage was more 
than just destroying a piece of paper, but was an event that represents 
many years of accomplishment, dedication, sacrifice and commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, the Saint George Society has been a source of strength 
and pride for many years in the Bay City area. I know that they will 
continue to be a vital part of Michigan's Fifth District. For that 
reason, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in wishing the Saint 
George Society many blessings for the future.

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