[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST ARMENIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FRESNO

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 1995
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Armenian 
Presbyterian Church of Fresno, CA, which is celebrating its 98th 
anniversary this year. As the only Member of Congress of Armenian 
descent, it is a privilege for me to bring this vibrant church to the 
attention of the House of Representatives.
  On July 25, 1897, 34 women and men gathered in a hall on ``F'' Street 
in Fresno and formally organized the First Armenian Presbyterian 
Church, the first Armenian Church in the State of California. The 
congregation was duly received and enrolled in the fellowship of 
Presbyterian Churches a few months later. It has been providing 
spiritual guidance and support to the Armenian community ever since.
  Over the years, the First Armenian Presbyterian Church has been a 
source of strength for the Armenian faithful. It has brought our people 
closer to God through prayer and study. It has encouraged our people to 
celebrate the joys of life and the wonders of creation. And it has 
helped our people through times of turbulence, such as the Turkish 
genocide and the Great Depression.
  Ninety-eight years after it began, this church has grown to nearly 
400 members, and it is still meeting the religious needs of believers 
of every age, married couples, single followers, and the Armenian 
speaking.
  Mr. Speaker, the First Armenian Presbyterian Church has been a 
blessing to the Armenian people, the city of Fresno, and the state of 
California. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting this remarkable 
congregation and extending to it our warmest congratulations on its 
98th anniversary.


                          ____________________