[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 215 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1371-E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING 175 YEARS OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LANSING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2021

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the First 
Presbyterian Church of Lansing as they gather to celebrate 175 years of 
continuous faith and service.
  Founded on December 17, 1847, First Presbyterian Church is the 
oldest, formally-constituted church in the city. At the time of its 
founding, Lansing's residents were unified against slavery and the city 
served as a secondary stop on the Underground Railroad. The First 
Presbyterian faith community were among these early advocates for 
abolition and when the Civil War broke out, strongly supported Michigan 
troops who joined to defend the Union. The women of First Presbyterian 
Church cooked, washed clothes, and wrote letters home for those who 
could not write. Meanwhile, from the church pulpit, Rev. Chester S. 
Armstrong, urged local farmers to do their part and increase their 
harvests to feed the Union Army.
  After the war, the congregation continued to lead the way for social 
justice. They were the principal sponsor and supporter of the first 
African-American Sabbath School in Lansing, which later became the 
African Methodist Episcopal Church which was founded in 1879. At the 
turn of the century, when outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and malaria 
ravaged the most vulnerable residents in Lansing, First Presbyterian 
was a key proponent of improving sanitary living conditions. In 
addition to partnering with the YMCA to support the city's youth, 
church members were invested in the common welfare of the needy, caring 
for neighbors who could not work or those whose wages weren't enough to 
feed their families.
  As the city of Lansing grew, so did the First Presbyterian Church 
congregation. From its new home beside the state Capitol, pastors

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and elders occupied prominent positions in the community. During the 
Great Depression, when charity was so desperately needed, the church 
distributed food and clothing to the poor and provided care for 
indigent children. It's essential work that continues to this day--
feeding thousands of people through its food pantry.
  Madam Speaker, Lansing's First Presbyterian Church is a key player in 
interfaith and inter-racial fellowship. It serves as a refuge and a 
sanctuary for several community based-service organizations who truly 
do God's work in our state capital. They host weekly forums for 
residents to come together and enrich their understanding of the 
church's history and tradition while also providing a venue for civic 
and academic leaders to meet with the community and answer questions on 
topics relevant to their lives. First Presbyterian supports artists, 
musicians, charities, and more--truly living up to its commitment as a 
strong community of faith and a positive agent for social justice and 
human welfare.
  The theme for their 175th anniversary celebration is: ``a diverse 
Christian community inspired by its heritage, renewed in faith and 
outreach, and dedicated to peace and justice.'' It is a noble cause for 
a noble faith community and it is my privilege to recognize First 
Presbyterian Church of Lansing with these words in the People's House. 
May they last as a fitting tribute to its 175 years of service and 
guide the way for the next 175 years to come.

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