[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING CHRIST TEMPLE CHURCH OF CHRIST (HOLINESS) OF GARY, 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. in 
Gary, Indiana, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary as a parish on May 
3-7, 2000. This anniversary is made even more special because a charter 
member, Brother Oliver B. Hardy, is able to celebrate with his fellow 
parishioners.
  Christ Temple Church was formed largely through the efforts of two 
dedicated people. Sister Ella Bradley attended a church service in 
Gary, where she met Elder William A. Nolley. Elder Nolley was singing a 
song that Sister Bradley recognized, a song written by Bishop Charles 
Prince Jones, the founder of the Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. After 
several discussions, Sister Bradley opened up her home on Tuesday, 
November 25, 1925, and Christ Temple Church was born. The initial 
membership consisted of Sister Bradley and her family as well as Elder 
Nolley and his wife, Velma.
  After much hard work and dedication, land was purchased at 2472 
Pierce Street in Gary. It was here that the church began to flourish. 
Elder Nolley was returned to the south by the presiding bishop and was 
replaced with Elder J.J. Peterson in 1931. Elder Peterson built a 
sanctuary on the lot on Pierce Street, and the congregation began to 
grow steadily. In June of 1962, the generous Elder Peterson was laid to 
rest, but his commitment to the church had made a lasting impression on 
the congregation and community.
  After Elder Peterson's passing, the church continued to expand. By 
September of 1962, the membership of the church was beginning to 
outgrow the limited space of the sanctuary. The church leadership took 
the visionary approach by forming a building fund. They predicted that 
once the fund had reached $100,000 it would be time to build a new 
place of worship. Through the selflessness and generosity of the 
membership, their vision came to fruition on January 13, 1980, when 
they held their first service at their current location, 4201 
Washington Street, in Gary.
  Under the extraordinary leadership of Bishop O.W. McInnis and Elder 
Dale Cudjoe, the church members were able to pay off their new church's 
mortgage within nine months. On September 24, 1989, Elder Cudjoe was 
appointed pastor of Christ Temple Church of Christ, the position he 
holds today. Through his efforts the church has grown both spiritually 
and numerically.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating the membership of the Christ Temple Church of 
Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. From 
humble beginnings they have emerged into a thriving spiritual family. 
The church's positive impact on Northwest Indiana has been significant 
during the past 75 years. May they enjoy good fortune for many more 
years to come.

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