[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE NATIVITY OF OUR SAVIOR CHURCH IN PORTAGE, IN, DURING 
                         THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate the Nativity of Our Savior Church in Portage, IN, 
as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. During the weekend of 
September 11, 2004, and September 12, 2004, the Nativity of Our Savior 
Church will be celebrating their anniversary with an Anniversary 
Celebration Mass and an All-Parish Anniversary Celebration Family 
Picnic.
  The Catholic faith began in Portage in the 1600's with early settlers 
and French trappers, and they named the area ``New France.'' In 1882, 
Joseph Bailly, one of those early settlers, established a trading post 
which he called ``Bailly-Town.'' This area included a chapel for his 
family as well as other nearby villagers to worship in. During the 
early 1960's, the Diocese of Gary purchased the land that is now the 
Nativity Parish and School.
  As the population grew in Portage, Bishop Andrew Grutka along with 
other parish members, established a larger church, which was called 
``The Chapel on the Mall'' because it was located at the north end of 
the Portage Shopping Mall. In 1964, this 10' by 50' drive-in church was 
visited by over 450 cars at each Sunday mass. It was in July 1965 that 
the Nativity of Our Savior Church was officially established with 
Father Joseph Till as its first pastor. On October 31, 1965, during the 
Feast of Christ the King, Nativity of Our Savior became a permanent 
church and it was formally dedicated by Bishop Grutka on Saturday, 
March 12, 1966.
  In September 1975, the Nativity School opened its doors to 95 
students in its first year. Since the founding of the Nativity of Our 
Savior Church in 1964 and the opening of the school in 1975, there have 
been many influential pastors who have led the congregation. These 
include: Father Joseph Till, Father William Spranger, Monsignor Carl 
Mengeling, Monsignor John Morales, Father John Scott, Father Patrick 
Kalich, and currently Father Walter Rakoczy. Today, the Nativity of Our 
Savior Church has over 2,200 registered families, over 200 students in 
their parish school, and over 600 students in their religious education 
program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the Nativity of Our Savior 
Church on their 40th anniversary. They have provided support and 
guidance for all those in the Portage community, and will continue to 
serve their community through their selfless dedication and commitment.

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