[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the members and 
clergy of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bayonne, NJ. This year 
the church is celebrating its 90th anniversary. When the church first 
opened its doors in 1907, it was the culmination of a dream 30 years in 
the making.
  As early as 1877, the congregation was considering the idea that they 
had to build a church in Bayonne. At the time, since there was no 
church in Bayonne, worshipers had to row across the Kill Van Kull to 
Staten Island, a situation which presented many hardships to the 
Lutherans of Bayonne.
  The church has not only survived for 90 years, it has also thrived, 
and in the process it has enriched the community. The church's numerous 
humanitarian public service projects and the friendly outgoing nature 
of the congregation's members, have helped make Bayonne and the 
surrounding area a better place to live.
  For 90 years, congregants and clergy have worked diligently to ensure 
the success of the church and the community. Over their long and varied 
history the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church relocated, expanded, 
built nursery and parish additions to their church building, and merged 
with the fellow Lutheran congregation of St. Pauls'.
  This important work was performed and done under the guidance, 
patients, and love of brave clergy who desired the best for their 
congregation and their community. Clergy such as the Rev. Bergwater, 
the ground breaking first pastor of the congregation, Revs. Willis and 
Clare, Rev. Schrum who built the parish house, Rev. Jaxheimer who 
oversaw major renovations and the historic merger with St. Paul's, and 
Rev. Larson who introduced new elements into the liturgy. During the 
past 10 years the mission of Grace Evangelical Lutheran has continued 
under the guidance of Pastors Ficken, Wright, and Carter.
  The congregation is reflective of our Nation's greatest treasure--its 
people. A people who are not afraid to face the future. A people that 
know that with perseverance anything can be achieved.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding congregation in my 
district. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the excellent 
work of Grace English Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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