[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E312-E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REV. ERNEST SMITH KEEPS HISTORY ALIVE IN THE LEBANON VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, It is often said that we must always 
remember where we have been if we are to truly know where we are going. 
Too often in today's hectic world, we lose sight of our social and 
cultural past, which have shaped our daily experiences and the very 
society in which we live. Luckily, however, there remain some 
insightful individuals who dedicate their time and energy to preserving 
our historical roots so that we may always remember and learn from the 
people and events which came before us. I personally am extremely 
grateful for the endeavors of admirable individuals like Rev. Ernest 
Smith, who, through his diligent and enthusiastic efforts, has ensured 
that the rich history of the Lebanon Valley will remain alive and 
accessible for many generations to come.
  Reverend Smith's service has spanned many years and a multitude of 
avenues of historical pursuit. He has been the town historian for the 
town of New Lebanon for almost a decade, during which time his 
endeavors included penning a remarkable short history of the town for 
its gala 175th anniversary celebration. Reverend Smith also spearheaded 
the successful monument restoration program as the Chair of the Tilden 
Restoration Committee, which carefully utilized State and local grants 
in combination with individual donations to rejuvenate the aging 
memorial. Reverend Smith is also an

[[Page E313]]

extremely prolific writer. I know that thousands of others have enjoyed 
reading his clever ``Valley Tales'' columns in the Echo as much as I 
have over the years, Some of these columns have now been published in 
two books, offering many newcomers to Reverend Smith's writings the 
opportunity to learn from his insight into the Lebanon Valley region.
  Most recently, Reverend Smith was elected to and served the maximum 
term of 3 years as the president of the Lebanon Valley Historical 
Society. Under his leadership, the historical society thrived, its 
membership and event attendance multiplying dramatically. Among other 
opportunities, the society provided people the chance to learn about 
the historical homes in the area, where many of the meetings were held. 
During his term of service, Reverend Smith took a faltering 
organization and, through his hard work and dedication, brought it back 
to life, so that it may now flourish and grow further in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, committed and creative individuals such as Reverend 
Smith are among our most valuable resources in retaining a positive 
perspective on our cultural and societal history. I ask that all 
Members join me in expressing our sincerest gratitude and admiration 
for Reverend Smith and his impressive endeavors, and wishing him 
continued success in his efforts to preserve the rich heritage of the 
Lebanon Valley.

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