[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SAINT CECILIA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th 
anniversary of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Bartelso, Illinois.
  In the mid-nineteenth century immigrants of primarily German descent 
settled in the area. By 1880 there were about 75 Catholic families 
living in the vicinity, most of whom were members of St. Boniface 
Church. However, flooding of the Kaskaskia River and Shoal Creek made 
the roads leading to St. Boniface virtually impassable.
  In 1884, St. Cecilia's Catholic Church was built to better 
accommodate the area's families. Building supplies were hauled from the 
surrounding area to the construction site by horse-drawn wagons. The 
project culminated in the beautiful church that is still one of the 
finest in Southern Illinois. The town of Bartelso flourished with the 
new attention that St. Cecilia's brought.
  I would like to congratulate the members of St. Cecilia's Catholic 
Church for reaching this milestone and wish them a blessed and joyous 
celebration as they mark 125 years of service to God and their 
community.

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