[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING EISLEBEN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH ON CELEBRATING THE 
                    ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2001

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pride that I 
stand before the House today to extend my congratulations to Eiselben 
Evangelical Lutheran Church as the congregation celebrates its 150th 
Anniversary.
  Named after the town in Germany where Dr. Martin Luther, the founder 
of the Lutheran Church was born, Eiselben Lutheran Church was formed in 
1848 in what is now known as Scott City. Formally organized in 1951, 
the first congregation was comprised of just 19 members gathered 
together in a home. But although small in numbers, they were large in 
faith. 1848 was a meaningful year. It was that year the first baptism 
was performed in the church and it was that same year the first 
communion was celebrated on the Sunday following Easter.
  Slowly the congregation grew, and steadily the numbers rose to a 
point where in 1855, the church was fortunate enough to welcome the 
arrival of its first permanent pastor. A short time later, a log 
building was erected as the first house of worship in 1867 and a second 
facility was added in 1897--a school building.
  Other timely and memorable events followed, including the 
organization of what is now the Lutheran Youth Fellowship in 1893. The 
church construction was completed in 1913 and the Ladies Aid Society 
was organized that year as well. Finally, Sunday School, the education 
program for the youth in the church community, began in 1922.
  The church has seen many changes during its colorful 150-year 
history. Twenty-five pastors have dedicated their time and energy to 
growing this spiritual community including the current Rev. Robert 
Azinger.
  Mr. Speaker, on this very special occasion, I ask that all of my 
colleagues join me in congratulating Eisleben Lutheran Church on its 
150th anniversary. May the blessings they have enjoyed thus far 
continue so that they might remain strong and solid for years to come.

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