[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           225TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALL SAINTS' EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 1997

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 225th 
anniversary of All Saints' Episcopal Church. All Saints' Church was 
founded in 1772, in the rural area of Torresdale, now known as 
Northeast Philadelphia. Dr. William Smith, the church's first rector, 
cooperated with previously established Swedish missionaries to organize 
All Saints'.
  As we honor the anniversary of All Saints' Church, it also serves as 
a reminder of the history of our Nation. The congregation of All 
Saints' has been a part of that great history. This parish has seen and 
experienced all of the great and troubled moments that have made this 
Nation what it is today. The members of this church have been 
participants in the very events that have shaped this country.
  This past weekend the city of Philadelphia was the forum for a 
national summit on volunteerism, and the central role that it plays in 
the success of our nation. All Saints' is an example of the virtues 
discussed at this summit, and should be commended for its efforts. The 
early precedent of cooperation and involvement set in place by its 
founders, has continued throughout the history of the church. A spirit 
of warmth and service emanates from this group of parishioners. All 
Saints' is an example of community goodwill, and has served as a 
unifying force for members of the district.
  Under the direction of Dr. Chinn, the current pastor, the church has 
developed programs to help those less fortunate. Members of the 
congregation prepare and deliver meals for the elderly and families who 
are struggling in their current situations. In times of crisis and 
need, help is always forthcoming in family oriented programs of service 
and volunteerism. Through the donation of hymnals and vestments, All 
Saints' also serves those churches within the religious community who 
are less fortunate.
  All Saints' Episcopal Church should be a reminder to us that history 
and good will isn't just what we read in textbooks or hear about in 
other areas. It is evident in our communities and neighborhoods. It is 
living and breathing right in our midst. All Saints' has a place in the 
great past of the city of Philadelphia, and it will continue to shape 
and mold both the neighborhood and the people who reside there.
  On their 225th anniversary, I would like to congratulate All Saints' 
Episcopal Church on a long standing ideal of service and community 
centered action. I wish them luck in their future endeavors, and thank 
them for 225 years of unwavering commitment to the people of 
Philadelphia.

                          ____________________