[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 ON THE OCCASION OF THE CENTENNIAL OF THE CANADA/MICHIGAN JURISDICTION 
                  OF THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Michigan/Ontario Council of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, 
Inc. (COGIC), as they celebrate 100 years of fellowship.
  Founded in 1897 by then-Elder Charles Harrison Mason, the COGIC arose 
from humble beginnings--holding its first meetings in the living room 
of one of its members. Driven by a desire to better fulfill the tenants 
of their believes in the Gospel, Bishop Mason and his followers 
embarked upon a spiritual journey to grow closer in fellowship through 
the teachings of Jesus Christ. Over the decades of the new century that 
soon followed, COGIC grew and prospered, with new congregations being 
formed across the United States. Among the many jurisdictions formed, 
was the jurisdiction for the State of Michigan.
  Established in 1914, the COGIC jurisdiction for the State of Michigan 
was formed under the leadership of Elder W.G. Johnson. Under his 
leadership and the leadership of successors, the COGIC quickly expanded 
in Michigan, with several jurisdictions being formed within the first 
decades of its founding. Over its 100-year history, the Canadian/
Michigan Jurisdiction of the COGIC has grown to include 8 sub-
jurisdictions within Michigan and Ontario comprised of nearly 90 
congregations across the region--including many in Michigan's 14th 
Congressional District.
  In the Greater Detroit region, COGIC congregations not only serve as 
houses of worship where members of the community can create a deeper 
connection with their faith, they bring together devoted community 
members in the tenants of service to our community. From food pantries 
to youth development and education, COGIC congregations are engaging 
communities in Greater Detroit, the State of Michigan and across North 
America to answer the calls of our friends and neighbors in their time 
of need. So many of these programs support families in times of crisis 
and afford them the opportunity to confront those crises and move 
forward to overcome those obstacles.
  Mr. Speaker, over the past 100 years, the members of COGIC in 
Michigan have not only grown deeper in their covenant to their faith, 
but have channeled their faith into strengthening lives, families and 
communities across the State--much as their counterparts have done in 
others states across our nation. I congratulate the Michigan/Ontario 
Council of Bishops and the members of COGIC congregations across the 
Canada/Michigan Jurisdiction for achieving this great milestone in 
their fellowship and look forward to their continued efforts to 
strengthen the communities which they call home.

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