[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ST PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2016

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 150th 
anniversary of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Strasburg, 
Illinois.
   On April 15, 1866, even before the formation of the Village of 
Strasburg, worshipers came together to form St. Paul's. The 
congregation at first had no building in which to worship, and so the 
first members would meet in each other's homes or in public schools. 
But it would not be long before the first church was constructed, and 
in 1954 the current church was built, which to this day offers Sunday 
services.
   The parishioners of St. Paul's feel devoted to their parish and to 
each other, as generations have worshipped together as members of an 
extended family. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church has a long 
tradition of community involvement and care, and for 150 years it has 
been serving the spiritual and emotional needs of its members and the 
community.
   St. Paul's celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special service 
and an appearance from the Concordia Seminary Touring Choir of St. 
Louis, and its celebration will continue with special events scheduled 
for later this summer. I look forward to the continued success of St. 
Paul's, and I extend my best wishes as it celebrates its 150th 
anniversary.

                          ____________________