[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION, MORRISTOWN, NEW 
                                 JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th 
Anniversary of the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption in 
Morristown, New Jersey.
  The Assumption Church, the oldest standing church in Morristown, has 
served as a gathering place for spiritual worship since 1848, when the 
first Mass was held there on Christmas Day. Founded several months 
earlier that year by Father Bernard McQuaid, who became the church's 
first Pastor, it was given the name, ``Church of the Assumption of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary,'' and became the first Catholic church established 
in Morristown. At the time of its dedication by Bishop Hughes in March, 
1849, the parishioners at the new church numbered only 120 in total. In 
contrast, approximately 1800 families belong to the parish today.
  Continuing the tradition of social outreach begun by Father McQuaid, 
who, in 1850, started a school in the basement of the church, the 
Church of the Assumption today participates in close to forty social 
ministries along with other churches in Morristown. These range from 
meals and housing for the needy to programs for the spiritual 
enrichment of young adults, and include its newest ministry, a weekly 
Sunday Mass for the Deaf.
  In addition to the positive community impact which comes directly 
from the good works of the Assumption Church, the church has also been 
instrumental in establishing other houses of worship, hospitals and 
schools in Morris County. Through the founding of St. Virgil's Church 
in Morris Plains, St. Joseph's Church in Mendham, Bayley Ellard High 
School and All Souls Hospital (now the Mt. Kemble Division of 
Morristown Memorial Hospital), Assumption Church has greatly expanded 
the spiritual and social opportunities available to residents of Morris 
County.
  The Church of the Assumption is led today by its Pastor, Rev. Msgr. 
Martin F. Rauscher. Additional clergy at the church includes the 
Associate Pastor, Father William Winston and nine priests and deacons. 
As these individuals, with the assistance of the church's parish, lay 
the foundation for continued success into the next century, I want to 
ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on its 
sesquicentennial anniversary.

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