[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Knox Presbyterian 
Church on the occasion of its 100th anniversary of providing 
outstanding ministry and spiritual leadership to the people of the city 
of Los Angeles. On February 2, I had the distinct pleasure of attending 
the church's 100th anniversary service.
  The Knox Church is exceptional in its service to the community in 
many ways, providing spiritual leadership to an ethnically diverse 
parish and congregation. Embedded in its mission statement is a 
commitment to utilizing our existing diversity to attract, welcome and 
retain persons of various backgrounds who are accepting of ethnic 
diversity. The Knox Church truly fulfills the ideals of the Christian 
faith in its welcoming embrace of all peoples. I personally bore 
witness to this at the 100th anniversary service. The congregation is 
comprised of people of all ethnicities coming together in the glory of 
God. In this way, the Knox Church is a praiseworthy example of 
coexistence and mutual support for the city of Los Angeles, the Nation, 
and the world.
  Rev. Mark F. Buchanan is the current pastor of the Knox Presbyterian 
Church. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and has 
brought to Knox youth, enthusiasm, and a strong vision of the future. 
Under his guidance Knox has developed and is implementing its new long 
range plan that will take the church into the new millennium.
  The Knox Church takes great pride in the quality and scope of its 
music program. The program is led by music director Glenn Riske, who 
has served as music director for over 26 years. The church's handbell 
choir is one of the many highlights of the music program. It has 
performed all over southern California, including at the Easter sunrise 
service at the Hollywood Bowl and the televised Christmas program at 
the Music Center Los Angeles. In recognition of the Knox church's 
century of exemplary service to the community, I would like to take 
this opportunity to share with my colleagues the historical 
retrospective of this great church.
  On November 8, 1896, a small group of people came together for a 
worship service held in Cutler Hall in what is now downtown Los 
Angeles. They were led by Rev. William Stewart Young, a pioneer of 
Presbyterianism in southern California. The church soon moved to a new 
location at the Southgate Masonic Hall at Main Street and 30th Street. 
The Knox Presbyterian Church was formally organized at this location on 
Sunday, January 10, 1897. Reverend Young was officially installed as 
the first pastor on November 25, 1902. During his tenure the Reverend 
Young increased the church's membership and oversaw the erection of its 
first home on 30th Street. This location was officially dedicated on 
January 12, 1902. Reverend Young continued to lead the Knox Church 
until 1907. The Reverend Young was succeeded by the Reverend Edward J. 
Harper who served Knox from January 13, 1907, until June 1910.

  The Reverend Henderson C. Shoemaker was called as supply pastor on 
July 7, 1910, and was officially installed as pastor on March 2, 1911. 
During Rev. Shoemaker's tenure, the Knox congregation moved to a new 
location at the corner of Figueroa and 43d Streets. The building was 
completed and formally dedicated on November 30, 1913. The Reverend 
Harry Hillard followed Reverend Shoemaker serving as pastor from July 
19, 1914, through September 25, 1918. During Reverend Hillard's 
pastorate, Knox membership rose to 300.
  On March 9, 1919, Rev. Leslie Logue Boyd was called to Knox and on 
April 27, 1919, was installed. Under his leadership Knox celebrated its 
25th anniversary. He was followed by Rev. William Hiram Manshardt, who 
was installed as the rector on February 24, 1924. It was during his 
ministry that the church debts were cleared and a manse was purchased 
at 557 West 46th Street. Pastor Manshardt served Knox for 15 years.
  The Reverend Chester M. Buley was installed as pastor on January 29, 
1939. On that same day the congregation heard, for the first time, the 
Dr. William and Sarah Young Memorial Organ. Rev. Calvin A. Duncan took 
over leadership of the Knox Church in May 1944. He presided over the 
church's 50th anniversary on February 2, 1947. On May 23, 1954, Rev. 
Arthur P. Rech was installed. Under his 25 years tutelage the Knox 
Church moved to its current location in Ladera Heights and all of the 
facilities as they now exist were constructed. During this period 
numerous projects, which continue to flourish today, were instituted. 
Among them are the LAX Food Pantry, Masters Mates and Laderians. Rev. 
Rech stepped down as pastor on December 2, 1979.
  On June 28, 1981, Rev. James E. Kenney was installed as pastor and 
served for 10 years. Interim pastors, Rev. Jack Peters, Rev. Gary 
Wilburn, and Rev. John Dean, served until the February 20, 1994, 
installation of Rev. Mark F. Buchanan.
  Few would argue about the increasingly important correlation that 
exists between the church and a healthy community. For over a century, 
the Knox Presbyterian Church has contributed to that prosperity by 
offering a ministry that nurtures the soul and empowers the mind. By 
providing spiritual empowerment to the community it continues to shine 
as a beacon of hope for the future. I am proud to recognize and commend 
Rev. Mark Buchanan and the congregation of the Knox Presbyterian Church 
for their ministry and leadership to the Los Angeles community. Please 
join me in extending our profound best wishes for continued success in 
the future.

                          ____________________