[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LAWRENCE PARISH IN LAWRENCEVILLE, 
                                ILLINOIS

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2009

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of the St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceville, Illinois. On 
October 18, 2009, a centennial liturgy was celebrated with Bishop 
Edward K. Braxton acting as the celebrant and homilist. A dinner was 
held after the service to honor the event.
  On July 20, 1909, local Catholics met at Lawrenceville City Hall 
hoping to form their own parish. After land was purchased, 22 families 
celebrated the first mass in the unfinished church. Ruth August Diver 
was the first parishioner to be baptized in the new church on March 5, 
1911. The finished church was dedicated in October of 1911. The parish 
has continued to expand, including the opening of a school in 1956.
  I would like to congratulate the members of St. Lawrence Parish for 
reaching this milestone and wish them a blessed and joyous celebration 
as they mark 100 years of service to God and their community. I want to 
encourage the parish with the words of Matthew 5:16; ``Just so, your 
light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and 
glorify your heavenly Father.''

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