[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1912-E1913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      A 300TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO PHILADELPHIA'S CHRIST CHURCH

                                 ______


                        HON. THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 11, 1995

  Mr. FOGLIETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
Philadelphia's most renowned religious and historic institutions. As 
Christ Church of Philadelphia prepares to celebrate its tercentenary 
anniversary this November, I would like to take a moment to reflect on 
the remarkable longevity and history of this most special congregation.
  Since the opening of its doors on November 15, 1695, Christ Church of 
Philadelphia has influenced and witnessed the development of our 
Nation. On July 20, 1775, the Continental Congress gathered at the 
church to worship. Before penning the Declaration of Independence and 
the Constitution in 1776 and 1787, our Founding Fathers entered the 
halls of Christ Church for strength and guidance. The list of Christ 
Church's early congregants reads like a history text book. George 
Washington, Betsy Ross, and Benjamin Franklin were all members of the 
parish. Christ Church's adjacent graveyard is the final resting home 
for scores of American patriots including three of the six men who 
signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
  Throughout its sacred history, the congregants of Christ Church have 
dedicated themselves to public and community service. The first African 
American Episcopal priest, Absalom Jones, was ordained Deacon at Christ 
Church in 1795. During the Civil War, members of Christ Church helped 
wounded soldiers. In World War I, Rector Louis Washburn established 
medical clinics and soup kitchens which assisted community residents 
through the Great Depression. In recent years, Rector James Trimble has 
led Christ Church in their coordination of the Philadelphia Interfaith 
Action Alliance which has raised more than $4 million to build 1,000 
low-cost homes for families in Philadelphia.
  Commencing on November 10, 1995, Christ Church has planned a 10-day 
schedule of events to celebrate its Tercentenary. The highlight of this 
occasion will be a three day conference entitled, ``The Soul of America 
in a World of Violence: A Religious Response.'' Continuing in Christ 
Church's rich history of social progress, this vital conference will 
assemble leaders from throughout the Nation to address how violence 
affects our cities, our children, and our Nation as a whole.
  Mr. Speaker, Congress has already recognized the historical 
significance of Christ 

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Church when it was designated a national shrine in 1950. I would like 
to ask my colleagues to rise and join me once again in paying tribute 
to Christ Church on the glorious occasion of its 300th anniversary.

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