[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 30 (Monday, March 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in congratulating Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church on celebrating 
125 years of worship, fellowship, and outreach in Bay City, Michigan. 
On Sunday, October 16, the congregation of Messiah will recognize this 
milestone during a special service and dinner to be held at the church.
  Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church found its roots in Bay City in 
1880, when 50 individuals, immigrants from Sweden, came together and 
formed one of the most spirit-filled ministries in Bay County. During 
the past 125 years, Messiah has made a significant impact on the 
community. The members of Messiah have consistently heeded the call of 
Christ to assist all those who are in need of spiritual healing. The 
inspiration for living by Christian ideals is repeated again and again 
in the lives of the staff and laity of the church. In the intervening 
years, with God's blessing, and through the dedicated efforts of many, 
pastors and lay people alike, the membership has grown to 600 people, 
embracing a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
  Spiritual growth spurred physical growth, as the building itself had 
no choice but to expand to accommodate the new congregants. The 
original small frame building has given way to the present substantial 
brick building on the same location, now designated as a historic site 
by the State of Michigan. Although the building has changed, the high 
purpose of worship and community service remains the same.
  I pray that during this glorious milestone the members and community 
of this magnificent church will come together and do as the Bible tells 
us in Psalms 33:1-4: ``Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise 
from upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody 
to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play 
skillfully with a shout of joy. For the word of the Lord is right and 
all His work is done in truth.''
  For 125 years, Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church has been a dynamic 
force for the public good. At every time of social need or upheaval, 
the congregation has resoundingly responded by living the Gospel spoken 
every Sunday in the sanctuary. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of 
Representatives to rise with me and applaud the continuity of Christian 
life that has resonated for more than 12 decades and resonates today 
through Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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