[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E184-E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF GWINN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Gwinn United Methodist 
Church, UMC, during its centennial celebration. For 100 years, the 
Gwinn UMC has been a gathering site for worship, teaching and 
fellowship in the Gwinn community. Its rich history can be traced 
through families who have been members of the church for generations, 
while its welcoming atmosphere continues to attract new members.
  Just a short drive south of Lake Superior, Gwinn United Methodist 
Church is bound tightly to the history of the Upper Peninsula. The 
community of Gwinn was built to support the iron mines of Cleveland-
Cliffs Iron Mining Company, which still operates in the Marquette 
County today. As Cleveland-Cliffs president William G. Mather began to 
build his ``model town,'' a group of settlers in nearby Princeton 
organized a church group and began plans for a Methodist church.
  Land for the Gwinn United Methodist Church was deeded to the 
congregation by William Mather in 1909, and on October 15, 1909, the 
cornerstone of the church was laid by Mather himself. The church was 
formally dedicated on February 20, 1910, by its first pastor, Reverend 
Simon Hocking.
  As the community of Gwinn grew and prospered, so did Gwinn UMC. Over 
the years, modifications have been made to the building, including the 
addition of an education wing, a remodeled chancel area in the 
sanctuary, and the construction of a parsonage on property adjoining 
the church. Gwinn UMC also welcomed its first full-time minister in 
1984, having previously shared pastors with several nearby communities. 
Even as the church has grown, it has also stayed connected with its 
roots; today's congregation still worships in the original 1909 pews.
  While its history is impressive, Gwinn UMC's most inspiring attribute 
is the outpouring of support and assistance it provides to the Gwinn 
community. The church has opened its doors to be used by groups 
including Head Start, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Alcoholics 
Anonymous. On the second Wednesday of each month, members of the 
congregation prepare a free evening meal for the community, serving 707 
people in 2009, fostering a sense of fellowship and camaraderie between 
neighbors and friends. The church also provided 344 bags of groceries 
to 235 families last year through its weekly food pantry.
  Through its Children's Love Fund, Gwinn UMC provides assistance to 
families of area children needing extensive medical treatment; and 
through its Endowment Fund, the church provides gifts and grants to 
individuals, organizations and missions locally, regionally and 
globally. Since 2002, $11,300 has been provided to missions through the 
Endowment Fund.
  Madam Speaker, from its earliest days Gwinn United Methodist Church 
has been connected to the Gwinn community through history and 
tradition. The spirit and principles

[[Page E185]]

that are intrinsic to the Upper Peninsula can be found throughout the 
history of the church and the actions of its congregation. Over the 
past 100 years, Gwinn United Methodist Church has shared the joy of the 
Lord with the community of Gwinn and with open arms has reached out to 
those in need. For these many blessings, Madam Speaker, I ask that you, 
and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, join me in recognizing 
Pastor Geri Hamlen and the members of the Gwinn United Methodist Church 
on the church's centennial anniversary.

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