[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18645-18646]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE CONGREGATION OF EASTERN AVENUE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the congregation of 
Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 
which celebrates the 125th anniversary of its formation this week.
  Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church began on September 15, 1879, 
with a membership of about 80 families. The church building was located 
on the corner of East Street and Logan Street, and it has remained 
there for 125 years. The original structure of the church is still a 
part of the present day church building. Over the years, the church has 
undergone renovations and additions on four

[[Page 18646]]

separate occasions, the most recent addition coming in 2000 with a 
major expansion of meeting room space, a large fellowship hall, a 
computer lab, and an industrial kitchen and pantry for a food service 
program for the neighborhood. Every addition has been undertaken with a 
view towards continuing the church's commitment to serve the 
surrounding community.
  It is this history and emphasis on community service and fellowship 
that make me proud to be a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed 
Church. A number of programs contribute to the church's ministry in the 
neighborhood, including student tutoring, the formation of the 
multifaceted Baxter Community Center, and cooperation with Wedgwood 
Christian Youth and Family Services in teaching important life skills 
to young people. The Saturday Food Program is the hallmark of the 
church's service to the neighborhood, where every week hundreds of 
people can purchase fresh produce and groceries at substantially below-
market prices.
  Commitment to public service is also a defining characteristic of 
Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church: the church's membership has 
included a Member of Congress, a state senator, several state 
representatives and county commissioners, a state appellate court 
judge, and a federal district judge.
  Through its 125 year history, the congregation of Eastern Avenue has 
been served by sixteen capable and distinctive pastors. It is currently 
in the midst of a search process to find a new pastor to lead this 
diverse and growing community of believers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you and all of my colleagues will join me 
in congratulating the members of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed 
Church for their 125 years of service and worship in Grand Rapids, 
Michigan. The congregation has been blessed in its ministry, and the 
community has been blessed by the church's presence.

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