[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO HONOR REVEREND DR. WARREN W. OST

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
Reverend Dr. Warren W. Ost. Reverend Ost is the founder and director of 
a Christian Ministry in the National Parks. For the past 45 years, 
Reverend Ost and his wife, Nancy Nesbitt Ost, have dedicated their 
lives to developing and maintaining this independent, 
interdenominational movement dedicated to serving the spiritual needs 
of visitors and staff in our Nation's treasurers, our national parks.
  A Christian Ministry in the National Parks was born in Yellowstone 
National Park where Reverend Ost spent four summers working as a 
bellman and organizing programs for other seasonal employees. From 
these summer experiences and the faith and dedication of one man, a 
program was born that now spans the breadth of our country and touches 
the lives of millions of Americans each year. The program in 
Yellowstone National Park, with the cooperation of the National Council 
of Churches, spread and developed into a Christian Ministry in the 
National Parks. In 1971, through a reorganization of the National 
Council of Churches, a Christian Ministry in the National Parks became 
a separate movement.
  A Christian Ministry in the National Parks is the oldest and largest 
ecumenical movement training church leaders in environmental education. 
The purpose of the program is to cultivate a Christian community of 
workers at work and worship, together with our park visitors, in our 
national parks. Each year a christian ministry in the national parks 
places over 300 seminarian interns in our national parks. Following the 
model of the worker-priest, each participant involved with the program 
has a regular secular job with the service establishments in the park.
  From its very beginnings, the program has been a model of church and 
State separation. Students ministering in the program hold private 
sector jobs, the program is underwritten solely with private donations, 
and participants receive only those privileges granted to bonafide 
religious groups sending representatives onto Federal lands. Yet, this 
dedicated staff holds open the door to staff and tourists alike for 
Sunday worship that would not otherwise be readily available.
  Reverend Ost likes to talk in terms of living above the store. 
Literally and figuratively, Warren and Nancy live above the store. A 
christian ministry in the national parks has been run since the 
beginning by a small, dedicated staff working from a small townhouse in 
New York City. Warren and Nancy live next door. For nearly half a 
century, Reverend Ost has led this dynamic program, not merely by 
overseeing its activities, but by actively participating in every facet 
of the movement. A Christian Ministry in the National Parks has been 
Warren and Nancy's life work and faith, and they live their faith each 
and every day. In quiet and often unnoticed ways, they have touched the 
lives of millions, crossing denominational lines and demonstrating 
God's love through their actions and relationships.
  As Warren and Nancy retire, we offer them our heartfelt gratitude and 
respect. Their faith and commitment have remained steadfast in the face 
of all obstacles. They have faced each day with optimism and belief of 
purpose. They have truly been good and faithful servants.
  A Christian Ministry in the National Parks will continue to touch 
lives for generations to come and we know Warren and Nancy will remain 
active participants in this and other Christian ministries. We wish 
them all the best and again offer our heartfelt thanks for a job well 
done.

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