[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CHESTER GOSPEL CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chester Gospel 
Church in Charlotte, Michigan on the celebration of its sixtieth 
anniversary. It is with great admiration and pride that I congratulate 
Chester Gospel Church on behalf of all of those in south-central 
Michigan who have benefited from its steadfast commitment to faith, 
service and prayer.
  Chester Gospel Church began to serve the Charlotte community in 1958 
under the leadership of Pastor Merritt Johnson, and the church occupied 
a one room schoolhouse at that time. Over the years, Chester Gospel has 
undergone numerous renovations to its original building in order to 
accommodate its flourishing membership. Chester Gospel now serves over 
one hundred members with its sister church, Bright Hope Bible Church, 
in Potterville, Michigan.
  A spirit of humility and service has always been a mark of Chester 
Gospel Church as its congregation constantly seeks ways to reach out to 
the Michigan community. Roughly five years ago, Chester Gospel sent out 
six families to found the Bright Hope Bible Church in Potterville. In 
addition, each month Chester Gospel volunteers at the City Rescue 
Mission in Lansing, serving women and children at the Family Center. 
Chester Gospel has dedicated the entire month of August to Missions, 
and during the month, speakers come from all corners of the world to 
share the challenge of spreading the love of the Lord Jesus. 
Additionally, the church hosts Vacation Bible School each summer to 
encourage children's faith and promote the fellowship and love that is 
found throughout the halls of Chester Gospel Church.
  In celebration of its sixtieth anniversary, Chester Gospel Church 
will be hosting a homecoming celebration. Four previous pastors of the 
church will be in attendance, including Pastors Merritt Johnson (1958-
63), Elwood Norton (1966-70), Larry Pike (1971-82), and Barry Smith 
(1982-93). Currently, Pastor Marc S. Livingston faithfully leads 
Chester Gospel Church. The anniversary celebration includes a time for 
prayer, fellowship and sharing memories of the church's long and 
devoted history to service.
  Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Chester Gospel Church on the celebration of its sixtieth anniversary. 
May others know of my high regard for the inspiring faith of this 
vibrant church, as well as my best wishes for Chester Gospel Church and 
its congregation in the future.

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