[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3609-3610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING CHRIST TEMPLE CHURCH OF CHRIST (HOLINESS)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I congratulate Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. of 
Gary, Indiana, as its congregation and church leaders join together in 
celebration of the church's 90th anniversary. The congregation, along 
with the church's pastor, Bishop Dr. Dale L. Cudjoe, the Executive 
Board, and the Board of Deacons, commemorated this momentous occasion 
on Sunday, March 15, 2015, at the church.

[[Page 3610]]

  Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. was organized by 
Sister Ella Bradley and Elder William A. Nolley when the two met and 
shared a common goal of starting a church in Gary, Indiana, that 
reflected the faith they had both known growing up in Mississippi and 
Missouri. Sister Bradley opened her home in Gary for the very first 
meeting, and the church was founded on November 25, 1925. Soon after, a 
lot of land was purchased on Pierce Street for the construction of the 
church building. Finally, in 1933, under the direction of Elder Johnny 
James Peterson, the first church was built. Years later, the church's 
pastor, Elder L. M. Relf, helped to ensure that remodeling work was 
completed on the church. Due to the growing congregation, a larger 
place of worship was needed and, in 1980, under the leadership of Elder 
James K. Mitchell Jr., a bigger church was purchased at its current 
location on Washington Street in Gary. Bishop O.W. McInnis became the 
interim pastor in 1988 and worked to pay off the church's mortgage. 
Bishop McInnis appointed Elder Dale L. Cudjoe as the next pastor of the 
church in 1989, and he became the full-time pastor in 1993. In 2010, 
Pastor Cudjoe was elected to the bishopric and became the presiding 
prelate of the Northern Diocese Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., 
which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio.
  Led by Bishop Cudjoe, Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness) 
U.S.A. continues to be a source of hope and charity for the community 
of Gary. Every week, members of the church organize a clothing and toy 
giveaway for those in need within the community. Through the church's 
youth ministry, children of the community can participate in the Youth 
Choir, Sunday School, and the Gym Ministry. In addition, the 
Brotherhood Ministry and the Temple Music Ministry programs are 
successful in building a spirit of unity throughout the church and the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Christ Temple Church of Christ 
(Holiness) U.S.A. in Gary, Indiana, on its 90th anniversary. For their 
commitment to service, and for touching the lives of countless 
individuals, the church leaders, parishioners, and board members are 
worthy of the blessings that have been bestowed upon them.

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