[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2143-E2144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO FORDHAM EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH ON ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 1995

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the members and 
friends of Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church who on Sunday, November 
12, will celebrate 80 years of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 
my South Bronx congressional district.
  In 1915, Rev. Oscar Mees saw the need for a Lutheran church in the 
fast-growing neighborhood of the South Bronx. He acquired the property 
of a small church, which had been forced to close on 2430 Walton 
Avenue, to establish the new Lutheran Church.
  Rev. Frederick H. Meyer, the first pastor of Fordham Lutheran Church, 
led the congregation for 33 years. During his service, the number of 
worshippers outgrew the size of the church and a larger structure was 
erected. The architectural beauty of the new building aroused the 
admiration of many New Yorkers.
  During the 1920's, services were offered in German and English to 
better serve the ethnic groups who were part of our fast-growing 
community. And, in the 1940's, sad days were endured by the 
congregation after the loss of 5 of the 85 members who served in the 
Armed Forces during World War II.
  Throughout the years, the church has been blessed with effective 
ministers, organists, and many members who have dedicated many years of 
service. During difficult financial times, members and friends of the 
church tested their strength, and through hard work, successfully kept 
the church open to the service of the community.
  The eight pastors who had faithfully served the church brought many 
changes in the programs offered to accommodate the needs of 

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the community. They are by name, Rev. Frederick H. Meyer, Rev. Carl F. 
Pohlmann, Rev. Hilbert J. Wuebbens, Rev. David Langseth, Rev. Jerrett 
L. Hansen, Rev. Kurt M. Friederich, Rev. Patrick W.F. Cabello Hansel, 
and most recently, Rev. Katrina D. Foster.
  Today, Rev. Foster continues to lead the church and its vital role in 
our community. Currently, the church celebrates services in Spanish and 
English, has a Youth and Luther League program, and a Sunday school 
program for children.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
ministers, members, and friends of Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church 
on their 80th anniversary in the South Bronx community.

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