[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E182-E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL OF WEST ORANGE 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
the 40th anniversary of St. Joseph's School of West Orange, NJ. I am 
very proud to have a school of this caliber in my district, and I am 
thrilled to play a part in honoring this institution.
  St. Joseph's Church was established in 1931, with it's first pastor 
being Monsignor Thomas Glover. In 1955, due to the very popular and 
well-attended CCD and Catholic Youth Organization programs, the 
decision was made to construct a school. In the fall of 1956, St. 
Joseph's School opened with a nine-room building for eight grades and a 
Kindergarten. The initial enrollment of 165 students doubled by 
November 1959. St. Joseph's School became an important part of the 
community, with nearly 95 percent of the parents belonging to the 
parents-teacher guild. The

[[Page E183]]

school also did not believe in overloading classes just for the sake of 
having a large enrollment. In contrast to the other schools, St. 
Joseph's maintained a limited enrollment in order to facilitate the 
development of each individual student.
  St. Joseph's has been blessed with tremendous leadership since its 
inception. The school's founder, Monsignor Glover led the congregation 
for 35 years until his death in 1966, upon which Monsignor Lang 
succeeded him, serving with distinction until 1976. Father McCloskey, 
who runs the school to this day, has additionally served this church 
and school admirably. He has weathered financial difficulties, dealt 
with staffing problems by recruiting the sisters of charity to perform 
teaching duties, and maintained unparalleled standards of excellence.
  Throughout the years, the school developed a highly-respected sports 
program, with many of its students going on to become high-school 
stars. In 1981, the school's baseball program won the Essex County CYO 
championship. The school also developed other extra-curricular 
programs, such as the school choir which has since become a highly 
respected aspect of the school. When the Metropolitan Opera Company of 
New York appeared at Newark's Symphony Hall, members of the St. 
Joseph's school choir were given the honor of joining them.
  In the 1990's, the school began renovations to accommodate the 
growing academic programs. Glover Hall was renovated to house the 
seventh and eighth grades, the library, and the computer room. A 
science and technology lab was completed in 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the students of 
St. Joseph's past, present, and future, in recognizing the 
accomplishments of this fine academic institution, and wishing them 
even greater success for the next 40 years.

                          ____________________