[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CHRIST CHURCH OF ACCOKEEK 300TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 300th 
Anniversary of Christ Church of Accokeek, Maryland, built by the Church 
of England, and one of six pre-Revolutionary War churches. It is 
believed this church congregation held their first prayer meetings 
sometime in 1698 in private homes with their first formal church 
structure being built a few years later.
  Mr. Speaker, as I am sure you can imagine, Christ Church has 
weathered countless trials and tribulations through its 300 years of 
existence. Early settlers triumphed over the harshness of the 1700's, 
the separation from the Church of England, and the invasion of troops 
during the War of 1812. Christ Church's survival over the decades shows 
the uniqueness of the community of Accokeek.
  In 300 years of existence there have been vast changes in liturgical 
theologies. In the early days the dictates of theology permitted no 
music, no stained glass or colored windows and only box type pews. 
Today, Christ Church radiates this same simplicity and symmetry with 
the addition of beautiful stained glass, music, conventional pews, and 
a bell tower. The ornate Holy Services offered now at Christ Church are 
a reflection of strong roots and faith of its members. A quality that 
has been strong enough to trickle down and bless the numerous 
generations of this Maryland community.
  Christ Church makes a rich contribution to the history of Maryland 
and our great Nation. It sits as a symbol of the great sacrifices made 
by the early settlers to exercise their religious beliefs and through 
the years the clergy has worked tirelessly to minister to the people of 
the region during good times and bad.
  Christ Church has seen years and years of families and neighbors 
coming together for convocations and picnics, weddings and funerals, 
for comfort and direction. In the words of an early Accokeek resident, 
Mr. Henry Williams (1862-1936) on speaking of the importance of this 
church to the community, ``I think it has quite a bright future before 
it--good roads, good schools, and a dear old church.''
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join with me in wishing this 
``dear old church'', the Christ Church of Accokeek, congratulations on 
their 300th Year Anniversary.

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