Recognizing Westminster Presbyterian Church

Floor Speech

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Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with pride and sincere respect that I take this time to recognize Westminster Presbyterian Church, of Munster, Indiana, as its members and leaders join in celebration of the church's 60th anniversary. The congregation will be commemorating this momentous occasion with a special service and celebratory brunch on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

In 1961, twenty-nine families met to discuss the establishment of a new Presbyterian church in Munster, Indiana. After obtaining its validation, the church, which would later come to be known as Westminster Presbyterian Church, held its first service on February 4, 1962, at the Independence Park Community Building. Eighty individuals were in attendance while thirty-three children met at the town hall for Sunday School. The congregation then began holding services at Munster Christian Reformed Church under the leadership and guidance of its first pastor, Reverend Gerald Gregg. During its early years, Westminster's membership continued to grow, and the congregation soon purchased five acres of land on the corner of Elliott Drive and Columbia Avenue, the location that would become its permanent home. Westminster's first service at the new building took place on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965.

Westminster's second pastor, Reverend Richard Rogers, arrived in January of 1979 and would remain in this capacity for nearly thirty years. During his extraordinary tenure, the membership experienced immense growth, additional Sunday worship services, and began to televise services. Eventually, in the mid-1990s, Westminster would make the decision to replace its building, while keeping its original sanctuary, in order to accommodate its growing needs.

A beacon of hope in the community, Westminster Presbyterian Church has been dedicated to charitable efforts within Northwest Indiana and beyond. Throughout the years, the church has graciously supported local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Greater Hammond Community Services, the Samaritan Center, Sojourner Truth House, and Northwest Indiana Veterans Village, among others. Westminster's members have also selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to feeding the homeless in their communities and providing blankets and winter clothing items for schools and relief organizations. Globally, the church's mission has directly improved the lives of countless individuals through its support of organizations including Heart for Africa, Living Waters, and Malawi Matters, as well through its commitment to aiding those impacted by the devastating Haitian earthquakes of 2010.

Despite the challenges in recent years caused by the COVID pandemic, Westminster Presbyterian Church has continued to thrive and is currently led by Reverend Angela Ryo. The church's outstanding musical programs have been a source of pride for the community, and its Christian educational programs, which are offered for children, teens, and adults, have been essential to its members. Westminster Presbyterian Church is truly a congregation worthy of emulation.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Westminster Presbyterian Church, of Munster, Indiana, on its special milestone. For the past sixty years, it has served as an exceptional partner in the Northwest Indiana community. The members and church leaders have dedicated themselves to serving others, especially those most in need, and they are an inspiration to us all.

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