[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            175TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHATHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 175th 
anniversary of the Chatham Presbyterian Church in Chatham, Illinois.
  The Chatham Presbyterian Church was founded in 1835 by some of 
Chatham's founding citizens, the Reverend Dewey Whitney, T.A. Spilman 
and William Thornton. The first service was held in Mr. Thornton's home 
and was attended by about 15 families, some of whom had come by wagon 
from New York to settle Sangamon County.
  From that humble beginning, Chatham Presbyterian has expanded to more 
than 400 members, and several new buildings. Just after celebrating 
their sesquicentennial in 1985, Chatham Presbyterian moved into its 
current building on Walnut Street in Chatham. Over the years, Chatham 
Presbyterian has been an important part of the Chatham and Springfield 
communities, as well as carrying on mission work across the country and 
around the world. In addition, Chatham Presbyterian is active in our 
local community, hosting group work camps in Springfield's historic 
Enos Park neighborhood.
  I want to congratulate Dr. Joe Eby, Pastor of Chatham Presbyterian, 
and the entire church family on celebrating this important milestone. I 
join with the other members of this House in wishing Chatham 
Presbyterian another 175 years of success.

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