[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1764-E1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a 
respectful tribute to the Polish National Catholic Church of the 
Resurrection on the 75th anniversary of its founding. The Church of the 
Resurrection has a noble history in serving the Polish community of 
Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
  Twenty-five years after the founding of the Polish National Catholic 
Church in 1897, the

[[Page E1765]]

Church of the Resurrection was organized on September 19, 1922. 
Originally, Mass had to be said in the rented building of the former 
Christian Church of the Evangelist from November 1922, until the 
present church was purchased on December 29, 1924. Prime Bishop Francis 
Hodur performed the act of consecration on December 13, 1925.
  Despite difficult early years in the parish's history, it went on to 
flourish. A Polish language supplementary school, a catechism class, 
the White Eagle choir, and numerous other societies and organizations 
formed around and in the church. On July 1, 1938, the parish acquired 
the rectory on 137 Meserole Avenue.
  During the Second World War, 110 parishioners served in the Armed 
Forces, and three gave their lives. Chapters of the Red Cross, the 
Junior Red Cross, and the Boy Scouts were all active at the church 
during the war.
  In 1958, the parish held services in English for the first time. On 
October 11, 1959, the mortgage was ceremonially burnt. And, as 
membership increased, the church made improvements to the parish hall.
  In preparation for the Diamond Jubilee, the interior of the church 
has been completely renovated and repainted. the celebration will take 
place on Sunday, September 21, 1997, with a solemn Mass celebrated by 
the present Prime Bishop, Most Reverend John Swantek. His Excellency 
will bless the church and reconsecrate the main altar assisted by the 
clergy of the New York and New Jersey area.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
the Church of the Resurrection as its celebrates its 75th anniversary. 
I am proud to have such an important parish in my district continuing 
the Polish immigrants' traditions of their homeland and introducing 
them to the culture of their new home.

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