[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a church in my 
district that recently celebrated a remarkable milestone. On July 2, 
the members of the Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, Michigan 
celebrated their congregation's 150th anniversary. For the last century 
and a half, Grace United Methodist Church has been a place of worship, 
prayer and fellowship for the people of this community in Michigan's 
Upper Peninsula.
  In 1854, the same year that the Village of Houghton was founded, 
Reverend Lewis W. Earl organized the Portage Lake Class, which would 
become today's Grace United Methodist Church. Three years later, the 
small congregation resolved ``to build a house of worship in 
Houghton,'' and construction began in the spring of 1859. Later that 
year, the structure, which was still being built, was moved to the 
corner lot that is the site of the present church, thanks to the 
generous gift of Mr. William Newcomb.
  During the pastorate of Reverend C.V. Thompson from 1888 to 1893, the 
congregation decided to construct the elegant stone church building 
that is in use today. In June 1893, the completed church was dedicated 
with much ceremony. Several of the day's most prominent clergymen came 
to Houghton to give lectures or sermons as part of the dedication 
activities, including Reverend Earl Cranston, Reverend Joseph Frazer, 
Reverend Bishop Ninde, and Reverend A.R. Bartlett.
  On the evening of November 24, 1916, tragedy struck as Grace Church 
was almost completely destroyed by fire. Fortunately, the red sandstone 
walls remained standing, which also protected the church's beautiful 
stained glass windows. While the members of Grace Church were 
understandably upset by this turn of events, the other churches of 
Houghton were quick to offer their assistance. As a result, services 
were held for several months in the Masonic Temple, and then for 2 
years the congregation held joint services with the Presbyterian Church 
while Grace Church was being rebuilt.
  Reconstruction of the church building was delayed by the start of 
World War I, and the congregation was not able to move back into its 
own church until 1918, when steps were taken to at least rebuild the 
basement level. Complete restoration of the church was finally achieved 
in 1924 when Reverend John E. Lewin worked tirelessly to raise the 
necessary funds and secure a loan from the Board of Home Missions and 
Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
  Mr. Speaker, much has changed in the Grace United Methodist Church's 
first 150 years. After the church recovered from the 1916 fire, it 
continued to make improvements and expansions to accommodate its 
growing congregation. It has also received the guidance and leadership 
of a number of pastors from its founding by Reverend Earl to the 
current pastor, Reverend Tom Anderson. But throughout these changes, 
the members of the Grace United Methodist Church have been true to 
their faith and to each other.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in congratulating the Grace 
United Methodist Church and its members on their first 150 years as a 
community of faith, and in wishing them well in their next 150.

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