[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 141 (Thursday, October 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CROWN POINT

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and profound 
respect that I recognize First United Methodist Church of Crown Point 
as its congregation and church leaders join together in celebration of 
its 175th anniversary. Bishop Michael Coyner, Reverend Mark Wilkins, 
Senior Pastor, Reverend Tom Shanahan, Associate Pastor, and the 
congregation will be commemorating this momentous milestone with a 
celebratory church service and reception on Sunday, October 13, 2013.
   First United Methodist Church of Crown Point was founded in 1938 by 
Isaac Stagg. The first church services were held in log cabin homes. In 
1887, the first church building was completed in Crown Point and became 
the place of worship for parishioners for many years. By 1957, a new 
church building was completed and remains the home of First United 
Methodist Church of Crown Point today. Throughout the years, more than 
seventy ministers have served as leaders of the church, and the devoted 
congregation has grown to over 800 members. With the increase in 
membership, the church has been able to organize numerous programs that 
have played a major role in the church's success. These remarkable 
programs include the United Methodist Women's Group, the Epworth 
League, a teen-age youth group, Methodist Men, Caring Cooks and the 
Older Adult Ministry.
   The leaders and parishioners of First United Methodist Church of 
Crown Point touch the lives of countless individuals through their 
compassionate service, especially to those most in need. Over the 
years, they have come to the aid of many through their selfless support 
to various charitable organizations, including Meals On Wheels, Saint 
Jude Home, Adopt a Family at Christmas, and Adopt a Highway. The church 
has also supported missionaries both nationally and abroad, and is 
currently raising funds to help build a church in Roatan, Honduras.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the church leaders and congregation of 
First United Methodist Church of Crown Point for their exceptional 
community service and congratulating the church on its 175th 
anniversary. The outstanding work of this truly admirable congregation 
continues to touch lives in Northwest Indiana and far beyond, and for 
their selfless service, the leadership and members at First United 
Methodist Church of Crown Point are worthy of the highest praise.

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