[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ST. PETER'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2007

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Peter's United 
Church of Christ located in the small community of Stone Church, 
Illinois, on their 150th anniversary. St. Peter's United Church of 
Christ separated from the Independent Evangelical Lutheran St. Johannes 
Congregation, the mother church, in 1857.
  The ``Old Stone Church'' was built in 1858 and dedicated on January 
2, 1859. On March 26, 1948, Good Friday morning, a fire destroyed the 
entire church. In 1950 ground was broken for a new church, and it was 
dedicated on March 11, 1951. In 1955 ground was broken for a new 
parsonage, which was dedicated on October 7, 1956, and in 1958 the 
Brotherhood was organized. In 1974 the Education Building was built in 
memory of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Doelling.
  On February 11, 2007, St. Peter's began celebrating their 
sesquicentennial. After several months of celebration, a dedication 
service will be held on August 26, 2007, followed by a noon dinner at 
Okawville Community Club where a pictorial history of the Church will 
be displayed.

                          ____________________