[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E921-E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with pride and sincere respect that I 
take this time

[[Page E922]]

to recognize Westminster Presbyterian Church, of Munster, Indiana, as 
its members and leaders join in celebration of the church's 60th 
anniversary. The congregation will be commemorating this momentous 
occasion with a special service and celebratory brunch on Sunday, 
September 18, 2022.
  In 1961, twenty-nine families met to discuss the establishment of a 
new Presbyterian church in Munster, Indiana. After obtaining its 
validation, the church, which would later come to be known as 
Westminster Presbyterian Church, held its first service on February 4, 
1962, at the Independence Park Community Building. Eighty individuals 
were in attendance while thirty-three children met at the town hall for 
Sunday School. The congregation then began holding services at Munster 
Christian Reformed Church under the leadership and guidance of its 
first pastor, Reverend Gerald Gregg. During its early years, 
Westminster's membership continued to grow, and the congregation soon 
purchased five acres of land on the corner of Elliott Drive and 
Columbia Avenue, the location that would become its permanent home. 
Westminster's first service at the new building took place on Palm 
Sunday, April 11, 1965.
  Westminster's second pastor, Reverend Richard Rogers, arrived in 
January of 1979 and would remain in this capacity for nearly thirty 
years. During his extraordinary tenure, the membership experienced 
immense growth, additional Sunday worship services, and began to 
televise services. Eventually, in the mid-1990s, Westminster would make 
the decision to replace its building, while keeping its original 
sanctuary, in order to accommodate its growing needs.
  A beacon of hope in the community, Westminster Presbyterian Church 
has been dedicated to charitable efforts within Northwest Indiana and 
beyond. Throughout the years, the church has graciously supported local 
organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Greater Hammond Community 
Services, the Samaritan Center, Sojourner Truth House, and Northwest 
Indiana Veterans Village, among others. Westminster's members have also 
selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to feeding the homeless in 
their communities and providing blankets and winter clothing items for 
schools and relief organizations. Globally, the church's mission has 
directly improved the lives of countless individuals through its 
support of organizations including Heart for Africa, Living Waters, and 
Malawi Matters, as well through its commitment to aiding those impacted 
by the devastating Haitian earthquakes of 2010.
  Despite the challenges in recent years caused by the COVID pandemic, 
Westminster Presbyterian Church has continued to thrive and is 
currently led by Reverend Angela Ryo. The church's outstanding musical 
programs have been a source of pride for the community, and its 
Christian educational programs, which are offered for children, teens, 
and adults, have been essential to its members. Westminster 
Presbyterian Church is truly a congregation worthy of emulation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Westminster Presbyterian Church, 
of Munster, Indiana, on its special milestone. For the past sixty 
years, it has served as an exceptional partner in the Northwest Indiana 
community. The members and church leaders have dedicated themselves to 
serving others, especially those most in need, and they are an 
inspiration to us all.

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