[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LIVERMORE, CA

                                 ______


                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, in 1871, a group of nine 
farmers drew together to form a new church in the Livermore Valley in 
northern California. Started at a time when bars were more prevalent in 
Livermore than churches, what became the First Presbyterian Church of 
Livermore has witnessed the remarkable events that have shaped our 
country--the sorrow of war and the prosperity of peace, the anxiety of 
drought and the blessing of abundant harvest. And throughout its 125 
year history, First Presbyterian has celebrated the importance of 
family and the centrality of enduring values.
  Over its 125 year history, the First Presbyterian Church has grown to 
a ministry serving not only its 800 members but the greater Livermore 
Community. Very deliberately, the Church has chosen to stay in its 
downtown location rather than move to a more comfortable suburban area 
precisely because of its desire to serve those who most need its 
assistance. First Presbyterian has been a leader in supporting such 
vital efforts as the Family Crisis Center and the Emergency Fund 
Center, which help persons needing food, shelter, and other critical 
assistance.
  In addition, the Church has worked actively with the Tri-Valley Haven 
for Women, which ministers to women and children suffering from abusive 
situations. First Presbyterian has also played a lead role in the 
Interfaith Backpack project, through which the greater religious 
community works together at the beginning of each school year to 
provide backpacks for young people whose families can't afford them.
  First Presbyterian celebrates its 125th anniversary with the grateful 
knowledge that it has improved the lives of countless men, women, and 
children in central California. In coming years, this legacy will serve 
to inspire new acts of charity and generosity that, in themselves, will 
encourage others to serve as they have been served. It is an honor for 
me to recognize First Presbyterian Church of Livermore in the 
Congressional Record, and to express my personal thanks to Pastor 
William E. Nebo and all the members of the Church for what they are 
doing to build the Livermore community. My best to each of them on this 
unique and special occasion.

                          ____________________