[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF REVEREND ROBERT SOUDERS OF ST. MATTHEW 
            UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the retirement of the Reverend Robert Souders of St. 
Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois.
  Reverend Robert Souders, Senior Pastor, came to serve the 
congregation of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, 
Illinois in August, 1965, completing almost 37 years at his retirement 
in June of 2002. Reverend Souders began his 46 years of service as a 
pastor of Zion, Marlow and Liberty Methodist Churches (1955-1956); 
Browns Chapel and McHenry United Methodist Churches (1956-1958); Ransom 
and Blackstone (1958-1961); Steeleville and Percy (1961-1965); and then 
St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Reverend Souders is a graduate of 
McKendree College and received his seminary degree from Garrett-
Evangelical Theological Seminar. He was ordained as an Elder in the 
United Methodist Church in 1961.
  St. Matthew UMC has grown physically and spiritually under the 
leadership of Reverend Souders. For many years the church has had one 
of the finest youth ministries in the area. The bus and senior 
citizen's ministry has been exemplary and many churches have sought 
ideas and information from Reverend Souders to enhance their own 
programs. The music ministry continues to be one of the most well known 
in southern Illinois. Since his actual coming, many souls have been 
won. He began in 1965 with 99 members with the represent church 
exceeding 1300 members. Reverend Souders has been a leaders in the 
evangelism work of the United Methodist Church and in June 1990, was a 
recipient of the prestigious ``Harry Denman Evangelism Award''.
  The New Life Club began in 1972 as an outreach to senior adults in 
the area. They have traveled many miles from Southern Illinois to 
Canada, Nova Scotia and Europe. The St. Matthew Day Care was formally 
established on August 27, 1972 and continues to provide a needed 
ministry in the community to provide a place of safety where children 
are cared for and grow in body, mind and spirit. A Thrift Shop was 
established in 1976 and continues to serve the needs of many through 
the generous donations of the congregation. In October 1978 and in 
March 1979, two apartment complexes, each with 17 units, were opened 
for senior citizens.
  The Mission Society for the United Methodist Church was established 
in 1984 with Reverend Souders as one of the organizers. Over 125 fully 
funded missionaries now serve on the mission field in various parts of 
the world.
  Reverend Souders has served on the Belleville Memorial Hospital Board 
of Directors since December 20, 1983. During this time, he also served 
on the following committees; Buildings and Grounds, Hospital Human 
Resources, Planning and Convalescent Home Care.
  Reverend Souders and his wife, Beverly will be married 47 years on 
December 17, 2002. They have three children; Michelle, Gregory and 
Shauna. Michelle and Jerry Haynes live in Tennessee with their four 
children; Joshua, Courtney, Jonathan and Tucker. Greg and Brenda 
Souders reside in Belleville, Illinois with their three daughters; 
Cara, Kimberly and Jessica. Shauna and Tony call Arizona home with 
their sons, Nicholas and Jared and daughters Renae, Lauren and 
Neaville.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service 
of Reverend Robert Souders to the community and to congratulate him 
upon the occasion of his retirement and to wish him and his family the 
very best for the future.

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