[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       AMITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in recognition of 
the Amity Presbyterian Church's 200th anniversary. It has served the 
spiritual needs of the people of the Warwick township in Orange County, 
NY for 200 years, and God willing, it will serve the people for many 
more years to come.
  The Amity Presbyterian Church has grown as America has grown. It was 
organized when our Nation was just 21 years old under the name of the 
Presbyterian Society of Amity. At the time of the organization, John 
Adams was President, and our Nation was in its first year without the 
father of our country, George Washington. As our Nation grew so has the 
church. The Amity Presbyterian Church has been there during our 
Nation's moments of triumph, and during our darkest times. For 200 
years, the Amity church has heard the prayers, and problems of 
Americans. It still stands, much like our Nation, strong, proud, and 
glorious.
  The Amity church moved into its present building just after the 
conclusion of the War Between the States, and was remodeled in 1931. 
The church is presently undergoing a renovation, which started in 1994, 
which will hopefully restore it to its former glory.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join with me in extending our 
congratulations to the congregants of the Amity Presbyterian Church as 
they celebrate this significant milestone.

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