[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 96 (Monday, June 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ST. PAUL BLUE POINT LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR ITS 150TH YEAR AS A 
                              CONGREGATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 2019

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge St. Paul Blue Point 
Lutheran Church for its 150th year as a congregation. Built on October 
31, 1869 in Altamont, IL, the church became a place of peace and 
fellowship for all attendees.
  To celebrate this historic occasion, the church held honorary 
services dedicated to the anniversary on Sunday, June 2. Keynote 
speakers of the event included Rev. Mark Witte and Rev. David Witte, 
both of whom are direct descendants from the church's founders. At 
present, eleven families are of direct descent of the original 31 
founders and are still active amongst the congregation.
  I extend my well wishes to the current officers--Rev. David Speers, 
Todd Wachtel, Corey Guy, Alex Wendling, Doug Kopplin, Doug Hammer and 
many others who have played a major role in spearheading this event.
  Madam Speaker, the St. Paul Blue Point Lutheran Church and the entire 
congregation should be very proud of their continuing commitment and 
service over the past 150 years. I am excited to see how the church 
will continue to grow and make an impact in the years to come.

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