[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ST. ANN OF THE DUNES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate 
St. Ann of the Dunes Roman Catholic Church, in Beverly Shores, Indiana, 
as it celebrated its 50th anniversary as a parish this past Sunday, 
September 10, 2000. I would also like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate Father John B. Barasinski, pastor, on this joyous 
occasion.
  Adjacent to the scenic Indiana Dunes National Park, St. Ann of the 
Dunes celebrated its half-century of history during a special mass last 
Sunday with Bishop Dale Melczek and the Reverend Charles Doyle, who 
presided over the church as its pastor for 30 of its 50 years.
  From humble beginnings, St. Ann of the Dunes began as a nomadic 
church, taking up weekly residence wherever it could find space. 
Parishioners held services in houses, restaurants, and even a fire 
station, until 1954, when Helen Wood donated five acres that were once 
home to the Beverly Shores Golf Course. On this donated land, 
parishioners built a simple, rectangular church which served them well 
until 1971, when this building underwent extensive renovations and 
additions. St. Ann of the Dunes parish continues to be home to a close-
knit congregation.
  With many of its members descended from Lithuanians and Poles, 
evidence of Central European ethnic pride can be seen throughout the 
interior of the church. Numerous parishioners have used their artistic 
talents to beautify the facility. The altar and stained glass windows 
were hand-crafted and donated by church members. Parishioner and local 
artisan, Richard Kiebdaj, carved the candlesticks and baptismal font. 
He also created the main crucifix in the church, which is made from 
amber donated by various members of the parish.
  Sharing its geography with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, St. 
Ann of the Dunes' peaceful setting is inviting not only to the people 
of Beverly Shores and surrounding communities, but also to the visitors 
from the nearby state and national park campgrounds. During the summer 
months, parishioners and travelers come to celebrate mass outdoors in 
the beautiful and natural setting of the neighboring park amphitheater.
  The generosity of the parishioners is typical of the care and 
dedication they show for the church and each other. The parishioners 
are committed to a tithing program, dedicating 10 percent of the weekly 
parish collection for local, national and international causes to 
assist people in need.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating the parish family of St. Ann of the Dunes, under 
the current guidance of Father John B. Barasinski, as they celebrate 
their 50th anniversary. All past and present parishioners and pastors 
should be proud of the numerous contributions they have made out of the 
love for their church and devotion to their community throughout the 
past 50 years.

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