[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HOLY SAVIOR CHURCH

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 1995

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Holy Savior 
Church of Wilkes-Barre, PA. This milestone will be commemorated at a 
banquet on November 12, 1995, and I am proud to have been asked to 
participate in the celebration.
  As one approaches the city of Wilkes-Barre, it is difficult not to 
notice the twin spires of this beautiful Gothic church. Since 1895, the 
stone and brick structure has stood as a monument to those whose faith 
and hard work erected it as a place of worship. The parish began under 
the able leadership of Rev. John J. Curran. Its parishioners were 
mostly immigrant coal miners. After working all day in the mines, the 
miners would come to the construction site to help build the church. 
Father Curran was a staunch advocate of labor and stood with the miners 
during the famous strike of 1902.
  In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt turned to Father Curran for 
help in resolving labor disputes with miners during the early part of 
this century. After Father Curran entered into the labor dispute 
negotiations, the mineowners surrendered some of their demands and the 
miners won their first labor victory. A friendship developed between 
Father Curran and the President, and Roosevelt became a frequent 
visitor to the parish.
  In addition to having a long history of national significance, the 
Holy Savior Church was blessed to have benefited from the leadership of 
Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan. During his tenure at the Holy Savior Church, 
Monsignor McGowan provided spiritual guidance to the many people who 
came from all over northeastern Pennsylvania to hear his messages. 
Monsignor McGowan is well know throughout northeastern Pennsylvania as 
a community leader who brings the values of the church to everyday 
concerns of ordinary people.
  Mr. Speaker, Holy Savior Church is a landmark of great historical 
significance in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a tribute to early 
parishioners who sacrificed so much to build a place to worship and to 
its modern day parishioners who carry on the tradition of faith in our 
community. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to bring the proud 
history of the Holy Savior Church to the attention of this Congress.

                          ____________________