[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18679]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING HARRIS MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on December 4, 2011 Harris Memorial Church 
of God in Christ will celebrate its 65th year of devotion to the Lord. 
Founded in January of 1946 by the late Superintendent Theodore R. 
Harris the church started out as Elm Park Church of God in Christ in a 
partially finished structure. With the help of his bride Missionary 
Erma I. Harris they set out to create a place where souls could be 
saved and the community could be served. During the church's infancy 
Brother Willie Parker was called to join the congregation as an 
evangelist. Elder Parker was instrumental in hosting a revival that 
lead to many saved souls and a steady increase in the membership.
  As the congregation grew, Pastor Harris sought Gods vision and 
decided to build a sanctuary. In 1959, with great celebration and 
thanks to the Lord, the sanctuary was built. The congregation was 
empowered by the success the Lord had bestowed upon the young church 
and the congregation paid off the sanctuary in 1965. On Friday, July 
25, 1980 Pastor Harris departed life to join the Lord. He was succeeded 
by his grandson Pastor Walter E. Bogan.
  Having a close relationship with his grandfather, Pastor Bogan knew 
that his grandfather's vision for the church included expanding its 
ministries. He wanted to fulfill that vision and began to look for 
locations that had the space for the expanded ministries. In 1983, 30 
acres of land was purchased to build a house for the Lord and His 
ministries. On November 22, 1992 the church's construction was 
completed on Lippincott Ave. They reside at this location today and the 
expanded ministries strengthen souls every week. Walter Bogan's son is 
now the presiding Pastor at Harris Memorial and works to continue and 
expand the success of their many ministries.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Harris Memorial Church 
of God in Christ on their success and dedication to the Flint 
Community. I pray that the ministers, staff, and congregation of Harris 
Memorial will continue their work and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
for many, many years to come.

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