[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E762-E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING HARPER CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOR THEIR 150TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harper Chapel 
United Methodist Church in Osage Beach, Missouri. On Sunday, September 
23, 2018, the congregation will be celebrating the church's 150th 
Anniversary. This historical accomplishment is even more impressive 
when considering Missouri was not quite 50 years a state when Harper 
Chapel UMC was established near the Grand Glaize and Osage Rivers.
   In 1868, Mr. Thomas Ezard and Mr. Thomas Harper began a Methodist 
class that would set the groundwork for Harper Chapel UMC. During the 
years this class met in various homes and the local log school house. 
The Southern Methodist Bishop appointed the Circuit Riders who led the 
class. Then in 1880, the community welcomed their first ``regular 
preacher'', Tom Rodgers. A new era was ushered in on April 20, 1911 
when Asa and Ethel Farmer and E.P. Wade generously donated one acre of 
land in trust to the Methodist Episcopal Church. This land is the 
present site of Harper Chapel UMC.

[[Page E763]]

   On January 12, 1912, the original church building was dedicated and 
to this day it is still used for weddings and other activities. Thanks 
to the handiwork of Charles Harper and Carl Knight, the original pulpit 
is still used in the original church. 87 years after the Methodist 
class started meeting, under the leadership of Reverend M.A. Thomas, a 
building program was started to build a parsonage, repair the current 
sanctuary, and begin plans for a new sanctuary. Due to the success of 
the building program on October 28, 1956 the new parsonage was 
dedicated, and on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1963 the new sanctuary was 
dedicated.
   The positive impact on the parishioners and surrounding community 
has been steadfast throughout the years. Vacation Bible School began in 
1945 and continues to improve the lives of children and families in the 
area to this day. The vision of Harper Chapel UMC to--``Intentionally 
Connect People with Christ and Each Other''--is an inspiration and will 
be a guiding light for future generations.
   I ask you to join me in recognizing Harper Chapel United Methodist 
Church on their 150th Anniversary. This milestone is a great testament 
to the commitment this church has shown to the Lord, their 
parishioners, and the entire community.

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