[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E557]]



    IN HONOR OF THE 115TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 115th 
anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Cleveland, Ohio, a 
spiritual community dedicated to their church, to their neighborhood 
and to each other.
  In the mid 1800's the Bohemian community in Cleveland was thriving, 
Industrialization and the Civil War created a need for skilled 
laborers. The original Rockefeller Refinery and the Standard Oil 
Company were among businesses in the area that recruited immigrants 
from Europe to work in the refineries. By 1882, it was evident that a 
new parish needed to be founded to serve the growing number of 
immigrants from Bohemia and Slovakia in Cleveland. Father Stephen 
Furdek responded to the need and made the journey from his native 
Prague to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Cleveland, Ohio. 
Subsequent pastors have continued the work of Father Furdek by building 
a first-rate Catholic School, Renovating the church building and 
guiding the parish through good times and bad.
  The parish family has survived epidemics, wars, the Depression, and 
changing demographics in the neighborhood. Throughout the years the 
church, although of Bohemian ancestry, has developed into a 
congregation of Americans. Parishioners of various races and ethnic 
backgrounds are united by their common faith and dedication to their 
community.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating the 115th 
anniversary of a truly great and devoted parish, Our Lady of Lourdes.

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