[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN MOUNT VERNON, IL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Central 
Christian Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois as the members celebrate the 
sesquicentennial of the church on October 4-5, 2003.
  Central Christian Church became a part of the Mount Vernon and 
Jefferson County communities on October 3, 1853 with 21 members. The 
church came into existence due to the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey T. 
Pace, who organized the local church according to New Testament 
traditions. Today, the church boasts of a membership of over 1,200, 
with seven members on the pastoral staff. In January 2004, it will open 
a new 1,000 seat worship center.
  Central Christian Church is a shining beacon for the community which 
it serves. I am proud to represent Central Christian Church as part of 
the 19th District of Illinois. My prayer is that God will continue to 
bless the church and the members that worship there. May Central 
Christian Church continue to be prosperous in their service to the Lord 
Jesus Christ.

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