Ben Cline

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walnut Springs Christian Church in Strasburg as it celebrates 200 years of faith, fellowship, and service. The congregation traces its founding to August 26, 1826, when members made the Stickley Meeting House their permanent place of worship. In 1848, David Stickley donated the land where the church stands today. Over two centuries, Walnut Springs has endured hardships, such as the Civil War and a devastating fire in 1945. Yet, through every challenge, its members persevered. Remarkably, when the church burned just 2 days before Christmas in 1945, members rushed inside and saved the communion table, piano, and pews--pews that remain in use today. That spirit of faithfulness continues under Pastor Wendell Shurtz, who has served Walnut Springs for an extraordinary 41 years. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Shurtz continues a tradition of faith and welcome that has defined generations of this church family. I congratulate the Walnut Springs congregation. May their simple but powerful message continue to guide them. Be faithful.