[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SALUTING SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FOR OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH 
                             ROCHESTER, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 1998

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay special tribute to 
the legacy of Our Lady of Victory Church in Rochester, New York. The 
parish will celebrate its 150th year of ministry during a special 
Jubilee Celebration on Sunday, September 27, 1998.
  Our Lady of Victory Church in Rochester was organized in 1848, after 
Bishop John Timon saw the need for his small congregation of French 
parishioners to have a church of their own. The church, which was 
established with approximately 300 parishioners, was known from that 
time until 1868 as St. Mary's French Catholic Church. Their building 
was located at the corner of Ely Street and Minerva Place in Rochester, 
New York.
  Under the capable leadership of its pastors, the parish thrived and 
grew. New worship sites were erected over the years. Throngs of people 
attended daily Mass, Novenas, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and 
confession in the 1950's 1960's and 1970's.
  Today, 150 years after its establishment, the parish at 210 Pleasant 
Street, Rochester, New York, enjoys its designation as a National 
Historic Landmark. There are 400 congregants and over 100 people attend 
their noon Mass each day. The parish, which is centrally located in the 
downtown area, also serves as a haven for many who have no home.
  I am very proud of this long established and influential parish in my 
home district. Today, I ask that my colleagues pause with me to honor 
the legacy of one of America's thriving parishes: Our Lady of Victory 
Church in Rochester, New York. I am greatly honored to join many others 
in congratulating Our Lady of Victory for their service to humanity.

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