[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 28 (Monday, February 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 THE 325TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN HARTFORD, 
                                   CT

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                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 13, 1995
  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a milestone in 
the history of Hartford, CT--the 325th Anniversary of the Second Church 
of Christ, best known as the South Congregational Church.
  This church, a beacon of calm in downtown Hartford, actually had its 
origins in a prolonged and bitter religious dispute. Reverend Thomas 
Hooker, who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle Hartford, was 
the pastor of the First Congregational Church. After his death, 
however, his successor adopted a more rigid, autocratic view of 
religion. This led to a generation-long conflict that ultimately led to 
the General Court of Connecticut's granting a petition to establish a 
second church. In February 1670, 33 men and women under the direction 
of the Reverend John Whiting established the South Congregational 
church.
  Since that time, this church has been an architectural presence and 
spiritual beacon in Hartford. The church's meeting house, its third, 
was completed in 1827, and is Hartford's third oldest public building. 
The structure has endured fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. In 1977, it 
was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
  Amazingly, in its 325 years, this church has had only 15 senior 
ministers. The roll includes: Thomas Buckingham (1694-1731), a founder 
and original trustee of Yale University; Elnathan Whitman (1732-1777), 
a prolific preacher during the Great Awakening; Edwin Pond Parker 
(1860-1912), a distinguished historian, writer, and hymnwriter; the 
Reverend Dr. Henry David Gray (1955-1970), Congregational Scholar and 
founder of the National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship; and Dr. John 
Robert Elmore (1970-1992), a national recognized leader in family and 
marriage counseling.
  Today, the congregation is once again led by a dedicated pastor, who 
understands both the church's historic past and the role it can play in 
the city's future. Dr. Jay Murray Terbush has worked to maintain South 
Congregational's presence and participation in downtown Hartford and in 
the greater Hartford area. Under his stewardship, the church and its 
ministries are well-positioned for the 21st century.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to commemorate this 
important milestone, and offer my most sincere congratulations to the 
South Congregational Church on its 325th Anniversary.


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