[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH OF FLORIDA, NY, CELEBRATES 101ST ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize St. 
Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Florida, NY, for its 101st 
anniversary, St. Joseph's was established in 1895, and immediately 
became a landmark of the small village of Florida, where it has 
remained a hub of the community throughout the 20th century. St. 
Joseph's was conceived in the Polish tradition of Catholicism, and has 
continued in this tradition to the present day. Father William Torowski 
is currently the administrator of the congregation, and has served as 
an inspirational leader to his congregation and community throughout 
his tenure.
  St. Joseph's has a long history of dedicated service to its 
community, including an elementary school, which has consisted of lay 
as well as nun instructors through the years. The Felician Sisters of 
Connecticut and the Sisters of Charity of the Bronx, NY, are among the 
convents who have contributed to the excellence of this educational 
institution throughout its history.
  St. Joseph's has also been active in missionary work since its 
inception over a century ago. A mission in nearby Pine Island, NY, 
which has since become a separate entity, and St. Andrew Bobola in 
nearly Pelletts Island, NY have been a crucial part of St. Joseph's 
admirable efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to honor St. 
Joseph's for all that it has done for its community. St. Joseph's has 
distinguished itself as a provider of education and charity, as well as 
provider of its holy message. Its presence throughout the 20th century 
has been an inspiration to the residents of the area and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, we should remember that our houses of worship are vital 
to the identities of our Nation's communities, and we must not forget 
our constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, which allows 
congregations such as St. Joseph's to exist as the stabilizing force 
which draws the local communities of Nation together. St. Joseph's of 
Florida, NY, exemplifies this vital force in an admirable fashion, and 
I am proud to honor its 101st anniversary.

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