[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E891-E892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ABERCROMBIE GUILD OF CHRIST HOSPITAL HONORED FOR 120 YEARS OF 
                           CONTINUOUS SERVICE

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Abercrombie Guild of Christ Hospital for 120 years of service to the 
residents of Jersey City. A special ceremony to celebrate the guild's 
accomplishments will be held at the Liberty Science Center on May 23, 
1996.

[[Page E892]]

  Formerly called the ladies' Hospital Guild, the organization we honor 
today was formed in 1874 by a group of 20 women. They began by making 
clothing for the sick children in the hospital. As the needs of the 
hospital changed, so did the guild. In 1887, the daisy ward, a 
pediatrics ward, was established in the hospital. Since then, the guild 
has devoted much of its time and efforts to creating a comfortable 
environment for the children in this ward. Through the years, the guild 
has strived to make the lives of the patients and the hospital 
community a little better.
  The guild was incorporated and named after one of the founders and 
presidents of Christ Hospital, Rev. Richard Mason Abercrombie. As a 
corporation, the guild is devoted to securing money and supplies for 
the hospital with special care given to the children's ward, of which 
Christ Hospital is particularly proud. The funds donated and bequeathed 
to the guild greatly benefit these children. The moneys are used to 
provide the children with the medical attention needed.
  The Guild also provides a number of other valuable services, 
including a monthly news letter known as the Daisy and a burial fund 
that is administered by the burial committee. The burial fund provides 
a final resting place for impoverished patients who have died in the 
hospital. In addition, the chapel committee, which provides Holy 
Communion and other religious services, and the sewing committee, which 
provides made and mended clothing, are the most commonly known features 
of the guild.
  I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in honoring the Abercrombie 
Guild. The services and help the guild has provided the children and 
patients of Christ Hospital are truly extraordinary.

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