[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         180TH ANNIVERSARY OF CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 180th 
anniversary of the founding of Centenary United Methodist Church in 
Effingham, Illinois. Centenary United Methodist Church can trace its 
origins to 1835, four years after Effingham County was established. 
This makes Centenary the oldest congregation in Effingham County. The 
congregation at first had no building in which to worship, the first 
members of the church would meet in each other's homes. Ground breaking 
for the current church began in 1954 and the building was dedicated in 
1961.
   Centenary United Methodist Church has a long tradition of community 
involvement and care, and for 180 years it has been serving the 
spiritual and emotional needs of its members and the community with 
many different activities and programs. I look forward to the continued 
success of Centenary United Methodist Church, and I extend my best 
wishes to it on its 180th anniversary.

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