[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21306]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED CHURCH

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize the 120th anniversary of the United Church in Walsenburg, 
Colorado. Through good times and bad the church has stood the test of 
time, and I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing 
the Church and its long tenure of service before this body of Congress 
and this Nation.
  The United Church, a Methodist congregation, was founded in 1884 by 
miners in Walsenburg. On a plot of land sold to them by the town's 
namesake for one dollar, the church built its first building. In 1929, 
the United Church built its current building with funds from its 
membership, a local bank, and the Methodists' Board of Church 
Extension. Although the Church struggled to survive during the 
depression and poor economic times, they were able to pay off all debts 
by 1944. In 1961, the United Church merged with the Community 
Congregational Church, and today has a membership of about 80 people.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the United Church in the 
year of its 120th anniversary. For over a century it has provided 
compassion and spiritual guidance to the community, and I am honored to 
congratulate them on their anniversary before this body of Congress and 
this nation.

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