[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN FORT EDWARD, NY, CELEBRATES 150TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 30, 1995
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, those of us who live in the 22d 
Congressional District can boast of living in one of the most 
historical regions of the country.
  In so many cases, the old churches in the district, along with their 
spiritual functions, often serve as virtual museums of area lore, with 
their registries and records of baptisms and marriages of historical 
figures, and growth patterns which reflect and parallel the growth of 
the area.
  One such church, in fact one of the foremost examples, is the St. 
James Episcopal Church of Fort Edward, NY which is celebrating its 
150th anniversary.
  Fort Edward, NY first appears in the history books as part of the 
historic battleground between Albany and Montreal. During the early 
years of Fort Edward's existence, changes were taking place in the 
social and economic life of the community that facilitated the growth 
of the church. With the construction of the Champlain canal and the 
economic development of the Hudson river trade route, the Fort Edward 
community was growing and right along with it the Episcopal Church of 
St. James.
  On May 21, 1845, the cornerstone of the Church of St. James was laid. 
Since that day, the Church of St. James has overcome many fiscal 
problems that endangered the future of the organization. This 
congregation, however, did not give up without a fight and through the 
grace of God and the faith of the community, the Church of St. James is 
alive and well today.
  Even though the congregation is not a very large one, the members are 
happy to be together and worshipping in their own sanctuary in Fort 
Edward. Mr. Speaker, this small group of people exemplify faith and 
camaraderie. The church is successful because the people within it work 
to make one another stronger. This congregation demonstrates how church 
communities all across America enhance strong families and sound 
communities.
  Throughout its long history, this church, like so many others in the 
area, has been the focus of community life and a bastion of the best 
virtues society has to offer. Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing 
congratulations and best wishes to St. James Episcopal Church on the 
commendable occasion of their 150th anniversary.


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