[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 168 (Friday, October 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF ST. PETER'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN 
                             MILLBURY, OHIO

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 10, 2025

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize a significant milestone 
in the life of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Millbury, Ohio. 
The congregation celebrates its 150th anniversary on Sunday, October 
12, 2025.
  Only one year after the founding of Millbury, St. Peter's Church was 
founded in 1875 by twelve families of German immigrants who came 
together to form the German Evangelical United St. Peter's 
Congregation. It is the oldest continuous church in the community. 
Church records show that the first meeting took place at the home of 
Adam Martin, a home that stands yet today, and was officiated by 
Reverend Andrews of Genoa St. John's Church.
  A fire sparked by a passing train burned the newly constructed 
building in 1878 and a new building was finally completed in 1884 using 
the railroad settlement. That year, the church adopted its first 
constitution. In 1908 a parsonage was built and a minister was hired.
  The following years brought growth along with stained glass windows 
and a pipe organ. In 1934 following a national merger the congregation 
was renamed St. Peter's Evangelical and Reformed Church. Since a 1957 
merger the church has held its current name, St. Peter's United Church 
of Christ.
  Branching out into the community in the 1950's, adjacent land was 
purchased and a park was built which serves the neighborhood, gardens 
and athletic teams. Uniquely, a boulder which resembled the image of 
Christ at Gethsemane was unearthed in 1969. Moved next to the church, a 
plaque was inscribed with Mathew 16:18, ``And I say unto thee, that 
thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the 
gates of hell shall not prevail against it.''
  Believing that ``every generation is called to live out its faith in 
meaningful worship, honest reflection and sincere devotion to God,'' 
the church continued to grow through the decades. A youth program 
produced musical groups Kid's Praise and The Light Brigade which toured 
the states in our region and visited the Creation Music Festival in 
Pennsylvania. Community services continued throughout, as the 
congregation supports food pantries, partners with service 
organization, has hosted an AA chapter for over forty years, opened its 
doors following a devastating tornado and became a Red Cross command 
post, and adapted to COVID by offering a ``parking lot church'' and 
live streaming which continues to this day. Also during this time the 
congregation merged with its shared church Eastminster United 
Presbyterian Church so the two congregations now worship as one.
  For an astounding 150 years, St. Peter's United Church of Christ 
lives up to the faith's motto, John 17:21: ``That they may all be 
one.'' The church demonstrates this message while living Christ's 
message of Love and being ``a welcoming place for all--no matter who 
you are or where you are on life's journey.'' As today's congregants 
celebrate this journey of 150 years, looking back with inspired 
recollection and renewed with a faith-filled purpose, we look forward 
to the next centuries of servant leadership in the community of 
Millbury and surrounding neighbors.

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