[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11183]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING SAINT LUKE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Saint 
Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as the congregation 
celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Church's founding. A celebration 
was held in Saginaw, Michigan on May 31st in honor of this momentous 
occasion.
  Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1933 
by King Wicker, Otha Wicker, Mildred Wicker, Alton Wicker, Margaret 
Wicker, Jerry Wicker, Odessa Fields, Bobbie Lou Anthony, Irene Blunt, 
Robert Taylor, and Reverend S.J. Scott. Shortly thereafter Reverend 
S.J. Elliott became the first appointed pastor and was active in 
developing and organizing the Saint Luke congregation. Under Reverend 
Elliott's pastoral guidance Saint Luke built its first Church where 
members could gather and worship.
  In 1955 the congregation was expanding and they began to look for a 
new home. The prayers and hard work of the membership were successful 
and they purchased the Church and parsonage on Tuscola Street in June 
1958. Through the hard work and generosity of the congregation, the 
mortgage was paid in full and burned in a joyous celebration on October 
19, 1969. Over the years the congregation has added a new organ, a 
communion rail, a grand piano, a furnace, air conditioning and the 
Church and parsonage underwent extensive renovation.
  While the physical structure of Saint Luke has changed, the 
congregation of Saint Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has not 
wavered from its purpose--faith and devotion to God. Under the 
leadership of Reverend James C. Hendricks, Saint Luke has embraced the 
motto, ``From Good to Great--Generation of Excellence.'' Through the 
guidance of Reverend Hendricks, the members are inspired to meet the 
daily challenges of life with vision and courage.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
applauding the clergy, staff and congregation of Saint Luke Christian 
Methodist Episcopal Church. For 75 years they have brought praise and 
honor to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and may He continue to bless them for 
many, many years to come.

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