[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the Divine 
Providence Catholic Church as their parish celebrated their 100-year 
anniversary on April 27, 2008. The church has served as a foundation 
for the Lithuanian community in Southfield, Michigan.
  The parish came to be when an energetic priest, Kazimieras Valaitis, 
and the Lithuanian Society of St. George, built a wooden church at 
Westminster and Cardoni, in what is now considered the deep inner city 
of Detroit. Not surprisingly, it was named St. George's Lithuanian 
Church. The number of parishioners quickly outgrew the facility, and in 
1917 the parish built a new, brick St. George's in the same vicinity. 
The parish was the center for numerous organizations and activities of 
the Lithuanian community in Detroit and had committees actively 
involved in building, fundraising and general governance.
  In the 1940's, as the demographics in Detroit were shifting, many of 
the parishioners were moving into the suburbs around the city. As a 
result, in 1949, the parish built a new church at Schaefer and Grand 
River in Detroit. Because the original St. George's church was still 
active in the local community, the parishioners chose ``Divine 
Providence Lithuanian Church'' as the new name.
  In 1967, Divine Providence was informed that the church was to be 
demolished to make way for the Jeffries Freeway. A new site was 
selected at 9 Mile Road and Beech Daly, and despite the Vatican's 
attempt to consolidate the church into a territorial parish, the new 
complex was dedicated on September 8, 1973. Thanks to the tireless work 
and dedication of parish committees, and later parish councils, Divine 
Providence continues to be a cultural center to this vibrant community.
  Madam Speaker, Divine Providence has been a beacon of hope for the 
Lithuanian community. I congratulate them on their 100-year anniversary 
and wish them many more years of prosperity.

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