[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 14 (Friday, February 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN LEWISVILLE, 
                                   TX

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 6, 2004

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The First 
United Methodist Church of Lewisville on its 125th anniversary. The 
First United Methodist Church is dedicated to developing a haven for 
Christian believers to be able to explore their professions of faith in 
Jesus Christ.
  Through its constant growth over the last 125 years, FUMC-Lewisville 
has helped the extended Lewisville community to live a more active 
lifestyle of worship, education, spiritual, mental, and physical 
development. FUMC-Lewisville serves as an example of a longstanding 
organization that seeks to help others while continuing growth within 
the church itself.
  The Lewisville chapter currently has diverse groups for every member 
of the community. The motivated individuals who continue these on-going 
ministries are the reason that the church is able to celebrate its 
125th anniversary today. By sponsoring programs such as Trinity Troupe 
for actors of all ages, 11 music groups, 8 Bible studies, Covenant 
group for women of the church, My Brother's Keeper for men to meet 
every month for breakfast and fellowship, marriage intimacy classes and 
athletic programs, the church has made an effort to ensure that 
everyone who wants to be at FUMC-Lewisville is welcomed with open arms 
and has a place to feel at home in fellowship with other believers.
  The church was established on January 25, 1879, with Reverend J.S. 
Sherill as an equal to a District Superintendent, along with three 
preachers: G.W. Jackson, L.E. Joshua and L.D. Addington. The first 
building was not constructed until 1881, but the church thrived for 
three years without an actual place of worship. By 1887, Lewisville had 
the only Sunday school in the area with a steady attendance of 75. By 
1910, the church had moved to a new building, where it survived the 
wars and depression. With one last move, FUMC-Lewisville found its 
present home.
  We congratulate the efforts of this church and hope to increase the 
participation of others in the community who wish to follow the example 
of FUMC-Lewisville. Through this church, the members are able to make a 
difference in the lives of people of all ages throughout the community 
by helping them to begin a walk of growth and love that will remain 
constant throughout their lives. The church should take pride in its 
hard work and commitment to civic involvement that has spanned the past 
125 years. We wish the best for the future of FUMC-Lewisville and hope 
that the next 125 years will be as blessed as these 125 years have 
been.

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