[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL IN 
                            HERRIN, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, in Herrin, 
Illinois, on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary.
  Herrin, Illinois, was founded at the turn of the 20th Century and it 
quickly was populated by immigrants, primarily from Italy, who came to 
work in the area coal mines. The first Mass for the growing Catholic 
population was said in the town hall in 1900 but plans were soon in 
place for a permanent church. The new church, initially named St. 
Mary's Church, was dedicated in August, 1901.
  As with most Catholic parishes, the members of St. Mary's planned for 
a school to educate the children of the parish. A three room building 
was constructed in 1912 to house the first 104 students in grades one 
through three. Two lay teachers served as the faculty for the first two 
years at St. Mary's before the Precious Blood Sisters arrived in 1914.
  St. Mary's school grew so quickly in its first years that the 
enrollment peaked at 365 students in 1920 and the 1930 graduating class 
of 54 remains the largest in the school's history. In 1925, a larger 
church was completed and the parish was officially named Our Lady of 
Mount Carmel, although many would continue to call it St. Mary's.
  Our Lady of Mount Carmel School has adapted through many changes over 
its 100 year history but it has always remained true to its core values 
of providing the highest quality of education while rooted in the 
teachings of the Catholic faith. Their Mission Statement says it best, 
that they ``exist to enable students to become knowledgeable and active 
in their faith, to educate students academically, and to develop strong 
moral character.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
administration, faculty, staff and students of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 
School as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary and to wish them the 
very best for many more years to come.

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