[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      85TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN GARY, IN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate St. John the Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, as 
they celebrate their 85th anniversary. They will be celebrating this 
special event on September 28, 2003, with a morning mass, a candlelight 
service in the afternoon, followed by a dinner in the evening honoring 
long time members with awards and recognition.
  St. John the Baptist Church was first organized on July 10, 1918, by 
Reverend J. R. Butler. Over the many years of St. John's history, there 
have been many influential pastors that have led the congregation in 
faith and spiritual growth. Some of these inspirational pastors were 
Reverend A. J. Allen, Reverend T. L. Ballou, Reverend Leon Davis, 
Reverend Ivor Moore, Reverend Julius James, and the current pastor, 
Reverend Raymond McDonald, II.
  It was during the 38th year of St. John's service to the Northwest 
Indiana community, and under the pastorate of Reverend Julius James, 
that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his first visit to Gary, Indiana. 
It was also during this time that St. John's began its 144 unit non-
for-profit housing development, St. John Homes, which supported fair 
employment and housing in Gary. Pastor James is most remembered and 
revered for his implementation of the Ecumenical Celebration, which 
honors the lifetime legacy and goodwill of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
and Reverend McDonald has continued this celebration and legacy.
  Reverend McDonald, along with his parishioners, has given selflessly 
to the citizens of Gary by actively pursuing the church's mission of 
``Serving People Between Sundays'' through a variety of community 
outreach programs. Some of these programs include weekly feeding 
programs where thousands of people are given nourishment, the Community 
Anchor's Program which helps form future leaders through after school 
programs, and the Golden Eagles Seniors' Program which fosters 
community involvement by senior citizens of Northwest Indiana.
  Reverend McDonald and his congregation continue their vision for a 
new church building in the hope to even better serve the needs of the 
citizens of Gary and all of Northwest Indiana. By offering service and 
guidance to others, the members of St. John the Baptist Church have 
proven their sincere dedication and motivation for assisting others in 
need.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating St. John the Baptist Church of 
Gary, Indiana on their 85h anniversary. They deserve the highest 
commendation for their devotion and commitment to all the citizens of 
the First Congressional District of Indiana.

                          ____________________