[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12731]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CANON CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First United 
Methodist Church in Canon City. This week Canon City will celebrate the 
150th anniversary of the First United Methodist Church, an anchor to 
the Canon City community since its founding in 1866.
  First United Methodist was the first church dedicated south of Denver 
in Colorado. The church's mission throughout its history has been ``to 
be a reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, praise, and 
the proclamation of God's Word.''
  This intergenerational church has for 150 years endeavored to meet 
``the needs of every man, woman, and child, so they are free to 
experience the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ with no strings 
attached.''
  The beautiful church building stands today at the corner of 8th and 
Main Streets with 37 stained glass windows honoring leaders and former 
pastors who have served the community of Canon City. First United 
Methodist has also served as a gathering place for countless 
activities--including a special presentation by Hellen Keller in 1914. 
I admire the church's commitment to mission work both locally, 
nationally, and worldwide since their founding. They offered food and 
clothing to settlers in Canon City, spearheaded the Crusade for Christ 
initiative following World War II--ministering and providing assistance 
to war torn countries, and to this day they continue to serve by 
offering a free community meal on the third Saturday of each month with 
fellowship in Christ's name.
  While many things have changed in the last century and a half, the 
First United Methodist Church has remained faithful to its calling to 
serve God and the citizens of Canon City.
  It is my great pleasure to recognize the First United Methodist 
Church in Canon City on their sesquicentennial celebration today before 
the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________