[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  QUAKER SPRINGS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, it used to be called ``the little church by 
the side of the road.''
  But the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church in Schuylerville, NY 
is much more than that, Mr. Speaker. Like many of the fine, old 
churches in our 22d Congressional District, Quaker Springs United 
Methodist has been not only an important center of worship, but a 
virtual museum of local history.
  And on November 6, 1994, Quaker Springs United Methodist Church will 
be celebrating its 150th anniversary.
  Mr. Speaker, a few years before Quaker Springs United Methodist 
Church was founded in 1843, a Frenchman by the name of Alexis de 
Toqueville visited the young United States. One of the things that 
stood out among his impressions was the religious fervor of Americans. 
He remarked that America would be great as long as she was good, and 
America's natural goodness he attributed to the numerous churches that 
formed the core of the Nation's community life.
  I mention this story, Mr. Speaker, because Quaker Springs United 
Methodist Church has been exactly the kind of church Mr. de Toqueville 
had in mind. The present building was erected in 1844 and dedicated in 
1845. The church was incorporated under the laws governing churches in 
New York State in 1880.
  From the beginning, the church has been a center of faith and social 
life for generations of area Methodists, and an enduring monument to 
the legacy of religious freedom our forefathers fought and died to 
preserve.
  Mr. Speaker, America is still great because she is still good, and 
she is good because in communities across this Nation, churches like 
Quaker Springs United Methodist play such important roles.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join me in congratulating Quaker 
Springs United Methodist Church on this occasion, and to recognize it's 
150 years of outstanding service to the community.

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