[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the parishioners of 
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, who are 
celebrating the church's 150th anniversary. In 1862, several members of 
the first German congregation in Hazleton established a separate church 
to identify themselves as distinctly Lutheran. On September 25, 1862, 
the cornerstone was dedicated, and the Christ Evangelical Lutheran 
Church began its mission of glorifying God.
  The church faced many challenges throughout the years, from adjusting 
to our nation's customs and general society to growing its 
congregation. In the late 1800s, parishioners of Christ Evangelical 
Lutheran Church recognized the importance of helping parishioners 
assimilate into the community and culture, so the English language was 
introduced at worship services. By 1903, parishioners formed their 
first English Sunday School and demonstrated a strong commitment to a 
Christian education for all ages. As the number of the church's devoted 
parishioners grew, the congregation built a new church and, most 
importantly, a new Sunday school. The buildings, which still stand 
today, were dedicated on November 2, 1930.
  Today, the dedicated parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran 
Church continue the virtuous work started by their forefathers 150 
years ago. To help the people in their community, the church has 
partnered with Seeds of Hope, a nonprofit organization that assists 
families in crisis, and the Salvation Army. Through these 
organizations, this church's parishioners help maintain a food pantry, 
provide services such as property cleanup to promote a safe environment 
for children, and donate to the Salvation Army's food and clothing 
drives. The present church is the result of faithfulness to the 
teachings, customs, and traditions of the Lutheran church. With the 
guidance of their present pastor, Reverend Wayne Lupole, the church 
welcomes all families as they seek to explore the rich Christian faith.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer my most sincere congratulations and deepest 
respect to the parishioners of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and I wish them many years of successful, 
faithful future service.

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