[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E8]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church as they join 
together in the celebration of their 75th anniversary. The festivities 
will begin on Saturday, January 8, 2005. The parish community of St. 
Francis will also host a variety of activities throughout the entire 
year of 2005.
  In 1882 there were two churches, Catholic and Methodist that existed 
in Lake Station, Indiana. The first Catholic Church was located at a 
Way Station on the Stage Line that operated between Michigan and 
Joliet. It stood on the identical spot which the present church now 
occupies. The Way Station was listed on railroad bulletins as Lake 
Station. The Michigan Central Railroad was built from Detroit to 
Chicago in 1852, and at this time the structure was not known as a 
parish church but as a chapel. This building was in existence before 
the railroad. The original bell from the structure was stored when the 
building was razed and is now still in use at the present church.
  Father Francis Xavier Guerre was the pastor of St. Mary of the Lake 
in Miller, Indiana. He was persuaded to start a mission parish in East 
Gary. Father Guerre founded the mission parish of St. Francis Xavier in 
1930, and Bishop John F. Noll dedicated the church in 1931. The name 
St. Francis Xavier was in honor of Father Guerre's patron saint. The 
parish continued as a mission until 1941, when Bishop appointed Father 
Francis Quinn as its resident pastor.
  In 1950 Father Koors planned for the enlargement of the existing 
church and the erection of a Parochial School. However, Father Koors 
needed a written guarantee that nuns would be available to teach in the 
school. Six orders of nuns were contacted before a written guarantee 
was received from Mother Emily of the Poor Sisters of St. Francis of 
Seraph. Mother Emily persuaded her Council to give the necessary 
written guarantee for the Sisters to teach at St. Francis Xavier. On 
September 5, 1956, the St. Francis Xavier School was officially opened 
for classes. The School was dedicated and blessed on November 11, 1956 
by Bishop Pursley.
  In 1984, Father Robert Evers became the Pastor of the St. Francis. 
Father Evers reopened the ``Center'' and procured the help of the 
Jesuits to service the Spanish community with week-end and daily 
masses. When the Jesuits left, liturgies were again celebrated in the 
main church. Father Evers retired in June 2004 after serving the parish 
for 20 years. The proud parishioners are thankful for the spiritual and 
emotional leadership he and the previous pastors have provided during 
the years.
  The present church's beautiful interior features sculptured statues 
of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the Infant of Prague, and St. Theresa. 
The beautiful, dimly-lit interior is illuminated by sunlight through 
the stained-glass window and dozens of votive candles flicker through 
ruby and sapphire tinted globes. The present pastor, Reverend J. 
Anthony Valtierra and his congregation continue to serve the needs of 
the citizens of Northwest Indiana. By offering service and guidance to 
others, the members of St. Francis Xavier 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. Francis Xavier Church on 
their 75th anniversary. They have provided support and guidance for all 
those in the community. Their constant dedication and commitment is 
worthy of the highest commendation.

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