[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PASTOR CHARLES SIMS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I congratulate Pastor Charles Sims, Jr. for his ten years of 
dedicated service to Saint Philip Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana. One 
of the longest tenured Lutheran pastors to serve in the city of Gary, 
the members of St. Philip deeply appreciate Pastor Sims unfailing 
dedication to strengthening the parish community. To recognize his 
commitment to St. Philip Church, his parishioners are hosting a 
celebration dinner in his honor, entitled ``Staying the Course, 
Answering the Call,'' on November 11, 2000.
  From modest beginnings, St. Philip has grown into an integral part of 
the area and neighborhood. The community activism and social awareness 
displayed by the congregation has made a lasting difference to the 
citizens of Gary. The parishioners' outreach and concern for their 
fellow man can be attributed in large part to the efforts of Pastor 
Sims. He has consistently shown the courage and leadership necessary to 
effect change in his community.
  Originally named Tarrytown Lutheran Church, St. Philip was 
constructed in 1956 to serve the spiritual needs of African-American 
Lutherans living on the far west side of Gary. During its dedication 
service on January 20, 1957, the congregation renamed the Church. On 
October 22, 1967 the members of the parish dedicated a new educational 
wing to the church. Located at 3545 West 20th Place in Gary, the church 
has been a foundation of the community for many years.
  Many ministers sustained St. Philip during its first 34 years of 
existence. Some of the preachers held permanent assignments, while 
others worked on a part-time basis. On October 21, 1990 the loyal 
congregation of St. Philip was blessed to have Pastor Sims, a graduate 
of Chicago University's Lutheran Seminary, accepted the call to lead 
the St. Philip parish.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Pastor Charles Sims, Jr. for his decade of 
tireless service to the members of St. Philip Lutheran Church and the 
Gary community. We are fortunate to have such an outstanding leader in 
our community, and I hope the people of St. Philip enjoy many more 
decades under Pastor Sims' spiritual guidance. His vision and spiritual 
mission have made Northwest Indiana a better place to live and work.

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