[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 33 (Monday, March 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E441]]


CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH IN 
                     INDIAN ORCHARD, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to 
honor the parish of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Indian Orchard, 
Massachusetts, as they celebrate their 150th year of existence.
  This church has a strong history of roots in the community and I am 
proud to share with you some important facts and unique traditions. Its 
origins date back to the winter of 1848 when an interested group of 
citizens formed the nucleus of the parish and founded what is now 
called the Evangelical Covenant Church of Indian Orchard. After more 
than a century of service, the church, in 1954, adopted a new name, 
becoming the First Congregational Church of Indian Orchard.
  However, in June of 1997, upon joining the Evangelical Covenant 
Church of America which was first organized in 1885, the church 
acquired yet another name, its current name, the Evangelical Covenant 
Church of Indian Orchard. From this chronology, it is interesting to 
see how this 150 year old Indian Orchard institution is in some ways, 
very new.
  During the past 150 years, the church has survived several calamities 
including fires and hurricanes. Despite this adversity, the church has 
been a constant source of religious inspiration and stewardship for its 
parishioners and community.
  Through this time, the church has also been able to establish and 
preserve many significant traditions while similarly adapting to 
modernity. One custom which began in 1894 and is still carried out 
today is that of presenting bibles to seven year old children of the 
Sunday school. Another practice of the church noted in the records in 
1880 was the serving of communion wine by the pastor into a single cup 
used by all who partook. Today this convention has been altered as 
communion wine is now served in individual cups.
  The parishioners of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Indian Orchard 
look forward to celebrating and sharing these traditions with their 
newly installed Pastor, Reverend Donald Olson. There are many special 
plans set for the weekend of April 17, 1998 which include a hymn sing, 
anniversary banquet, and worship services. These events should make for 
a fine celebration and I congratulate the church on 150 years of 
religious service.

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