[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 121 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF 
                              GRANITE CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Granite City, Illinois.
  In 1906, a major earthquake rocked San Francisco, President Theodore 
Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, the 
Dow Industrial Average closed above 100 for the first time and the 
Wright brothers received a patent for their flying machine. Also in 
1906, a growing group of Christians who had been meeting weekly in a 
local school organized the First Presbyterian Church of Granite City.
  From the initial 25 members, the congregation had grown to 112 when 
the first service was held on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1906. The coming 
years would see continued growth, both in the size of the congregation 
and in the physical facilities. The church, on 2160 Delmar, in Granite 
City, was completed in 1916 and an educational wing was added in 1930.
  Also, in 1930, a new organ was installed. That organ was replaced in 
1951 and again in 1961. Music has always played an important part in 
the life of the First Presbyterian Church and that was further enhanced 
with the creation of two paid positions of organist and choir director 
in 1942. In 1993, the Grand Concert Series was instituted which allowed 
the Church to extend its musical gifts to the community at large.
  The 1990s saw even more changes for the First Presbyterian Church. A 
fire, in 1994, caused extensive damage and made it necessary to move 
services to a nearby church while the church could be restored. The 
resulting renovation brought about not only a beautiful new sanctuary 
but also a spirit of renewal for the church family. This spirit was 
further enhanced as First Presbyterian merged with Mitchell 
Presbyterian in 1998.
  As the First Presbyterian Church has weathered the changes of the 
past 100 years, so has the neighboring community. In response to the 
changing conditions, First Presbyterian has initiated and joined in a 
number of programs to expand their ministry. A Vacation Bible School, 
summer drama camp, and an association with the United Congregations of 
Metro-East are but a few examples of this community outreach.
  As much as they celebrate their past, the congregation of First 
Presbyterian Church looks forward to the future. Their strong 
commitment to their faith, their families and their community enables 
them to constantly strive for new ways to fulfill their mission, 
``Bringing People to Christ.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th 
anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Granite City and to 
wish the best to them for many years to come.

                          ____________________