[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRAND BLANC

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the First 
Baptist Church of Grand Blanc as they celebrate the 175th anniversary 
of the Church's founding. A celebration was held on June 1st in Grand 
Blanc, Michigan to mark this momentous occasion.
  The First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc was founded in 1833 when 26 
settlers came together to establish a place of worship. Their guiding 
beliefs were a dedication to God, religious liberty, belief in the 
literal translation of the Bible, separation of Church and state, and 
the autonomy of the local Church.
  The 26 individuals were Daniel Williams, Alfred Brainerd, John 
Tupper, Alden Tupper, Newall Tupper, Harrison Tupper, Alexander Tupper, 
Phile Miner, John Fritz, Robert Winchell, Philander Williams, Betsy 
Tupper, Hannah Tupper, Isabelle Tupper, Asenath Brainerd, Sarah 
Brainerd, Alice Miner, Susanna Fritz, Electa Williams, Sophrona Straw, 
Almira Phelps, Lovina Gilbert, Sarah Perry, Lovina Williams, Jason 
Austin, and Eunice Austin. The first meetings were held in a barn and 
the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc became the first Protestant 
Church between Pontiac and the Straits of Mackinaw.
  Over the years the congregation has grown. The Church was officially 
dedicated in 1851 and over the years the congregation has expanded the 
building and facilities to suit the growing needs of the faithful. In 
addition to the classrooms and dining hall, a new fellowship hall and a 
400-seat sanctuary have been added. The Church was named a State of 
Michigan Historic Site in 1974 and a National Historic Site in 1983.
  Under the current leadership of interim pastor, Reverend Darrell 
Foltz, the congregation continues to work under the principles of 
vision, faith and courage to meet the challenges of our world. The 
congregation meets these challenges every day armed with their 
spiritual guidance and love of God.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
applaud the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc for celebrating their 
175th anniversary. The bell that was installed in 1837 continues to 
ring today calling the faithful to worship. May it continue to ring for 
another 175 years.

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