[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 116 (Thursday, July 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MUENSTER STATE BANK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2023

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Muenster State 
Bank on their 100th Anniversary, celebrating their opening to serve 
North Texans on July 2, 1923.
  Early in 1923, a group of local leaders from the small German 
Catholic community of Muenster, Texas decided that if the town of less 
than 450 residents was going to continue to grow and prosper, a bank 
was necessary. This group, made up of businessmen and farmers, met in 
J.W. Meurer's hardware store to request that J.W. take on a leadership 
role in the formation of this new bank. The group was apprehensive that 
the required funds could be raised to supply the necessary capital and 
deposits, considering that the previous private bank had already failed 
twice. Assured that adequate stock could be sold, the group prevailed 
upon Mr. Meurer to continue in his leadership role and to take charge 
of the organization and operation of the bank. They looked for 
additional assistance and discovered through interviews that 
experienced bankers could be found but were unaffordable for this new 
bank venture.
  Mr. Meurer knew his brother-in-law, J.M. Weinzapfel, had the business 
acumen required and was available, but at the time lived over 60 miles 
away in Windthorst, Texas. Upon being offered the job, Mr. Weinzapfel 
moved to Muenster to assist with the necessary paperwork to secure a 
charter and future operations. The original 21 stockholders in the bank 
successfully raised $19,250.00 in total capital to obtain the State 
Charter and on Friday, June 29, 1923, the State of Texas granted them 
Bank Charter No. 1400. On the following Monday of July 2, 1923, the 
bank opened for business, providing Mr. Weinzapfel the foundation and 
community from which he would devote the remainder of his business 
life.
  In the early years growth was slow. Nonetheless, the bank has 
generated an annual profit since inception, and has paid dividends in 
all but 2 years. Over the past century, through good and bad economic 
times, periods of war, and uncertainty such as 2 robberies and 1 
attempted robbery, the officers and staff persevered, ensuring 
continued growth and prosperity along with the community it served. As 
a combination of a century's dedication and hard work by bank staff 
members and the loyalty and confidence customers have placed in the 
institution, Muenster State Bank has grown to $213 million in total 
assets as of the end of 2022, generating $3.5 million in net income and 
paying out $2.1 million in shareholder distributions.
  Recently, Muenster State Bank's current president, Robert Weinzapfel, 
read the following communication to today's shareholders that then bank 
president, J.M. Weinzapfel, had written in 1942. Despite being written 
81 years ago, it still rings true today.
  ``The bank organized and opened July 2nd, 1923 and never failed to 
pay a regular dividend each year since then. The Officers and Directors 
have been faithful to their trust and were influential in the promotion 
and development of many enterprising and successful business 
institutions in Muenster.
  Our record of unusual service rendered to our patrons city, 
community, state and nation is reflected in the bank's growth. With 
resources now near \1/2\ million dollars, we believe that the plan to 
increase the capital is in keeping with the sound and conservative 
policy that has characterized the bank throughout its history.
  The achievements enumerated are an expressed tribute and reflect in 
memory to the untiring efforts and fidelity of the original officers, 
directors, stockholders and patrons that are still with us and those 
who have passed on to their reward.''
  As a part of our independent banking system, Muenster State Bank is a 
special part of our U.S. community banking system that is committed to 
supporting and investing to serve their local communities. I join the 
Muenster State Bank Stakeholders in looking back on the past century of 
community service, celebrating their accomplishments, and looking 
forward to the trust, community, and financial security they will 
continue to provide into their next century of operations.

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