[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1512-E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MESSIAS TEMPLE CHURCH

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the Messias Temple Church. It is my honor and privilege 
to recognize the contributions Messias Temple Church has made to our 
community.
  Established in 1941 by John T. Elder and Sister Laura Elder, the 
Ypsilanti Messias Temple Church is dedicated to building a permanent 
sanctuary for people of the community to have a place to connect with 
each other, and strengthen their faith. Messias was built on a 
principle that welcomed people of all walks of life, giving positions 
of leadership not common within the Church for its time. In 1949 after 
the passing of Elder John T. Elder, his widowed wife, Sister Laura 
Elder, was elected as Church Pastor and remained until her retirement 
in 1974, demonstrating that this Church would celebrate the diversity 
of Ypsilanti, and lead by progressive example. Jesse Ross was then 
chosen to serve as pastor, and personally led the congregation to its 
new permanent home on Harriet Street in 1984. Pastor Ross continued to 
serve until his death in 1991, when Harry Grayson was selected to 
continue the proud tradition of service and leadership. Today we 
celebrate the 75th anniversary of Messias Temple Church, as well as the 
25th anniversary of Suffragan Bishop Grayson's appointment. Providing 
strong leadership within the community has long been the cornerstone of 
Messias Temple Church, and the tradition continues as the church looks 
forward to the next 75 years of serving the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in gratitude to 
honor the 75th anniversary of Messias Temple Church. For seventy-five 
years now, Messias Temple has displayed an immense passion and deep 
devotion for improving the lives of its members, and also the people of 
Ypsilanti, and we wish them many more years of success.

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