[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to 
recognize Christ Episcopal Church, Alabama's oldest Protestant church, 
which this year is celebrating its 175th anniversary serving the people 
of God.
  Located in the historic district in downtown Mobile, Christ Episcopal 
stands at its original construction site of 1822. Like the rest of 
Mobile, the church, too, has grown and changed over the years, 
constantly striving to meet the needs of its parishioners.
  Originally Protestants from several different denominations came 
together at this site to worship as well as to serve the community. 
However, on February 26, 1828, a group met to establish and organize 
the Protestant Episcopal congregation. It was at this time that the 
church gained the name Christ Church and the cornerstone was laid for 
the present sanctuary in 1835.
  Over the past 175 years, Christ Episcopal Church has continued to 
grow and prosper. During this time, it has withstood the winds of 
hurricanes, the pain of yellow fever, the heat from fires, and the rage 
of war, and in so doing, Christ Episcopal has truly become a landmark, 
not just in Mobile, but throughout Alabama.
  Mr. Speaker, Christ Episcopal Church officially celebrates its 175th 
anniversary on Sunday, September 7, 1997. At this time, I wish to 
commend its parishioners and members for their hard work, dedication, 
and love of God, and extend to them my very best wishes for much 
continued success in the years to come.

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