[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 IN HONOR OF THE 188TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARK AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Park Avenue Christian Church as it celebrates its 188th 
anniversary. The Church held a Homecoming Celebration on October 17 and 
18.
  The Christian church, which traces its roots back to the Scottish 
reformation, first emerged on the American Frontier in the early 
1800's. On October 10, 1810, nine members of the Ebenezer Baptist 
Church of New York City formed themselves as ``The Disciples of 
Christ.'' In 1945, the congregation moved to its present site at 1010 
Park Avenue and renamed itself the Park Avenue Christian Church.
  As the oldest congregation within the Christian Church, the Park 
Avenue Christian Church delivers a progressive, positive message as an 
international, interracial, and inclusive community.
  Originally build as the old South Dutch Reformed Church in 1911, the 
sanctuary was inspired by La Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The Church is an 
impressive structure on Park Avenue with buttress-supports and Tiffany 
stained glass windows. In 1963, the Church built a new education 
building on the site of the original parish house; in 1982, a 56 rank 
organ was added to the Church.
  In 1989, the Park Avenue Christian Church embarked on a massive 
renovation. This restoration not only ensured the preservation of the 
Church into its third century of existence, but also helped to 
revitalize the congregation's commitment to its mission to the world 
founded on freedom, diversity, and tradition.
  The Park Avenue Christian Church plays an integral role in fostering 
a sense of community on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The 
congregation is deeply rooted in social responsibility, which greatly 
benefits the Park Avenue community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring to your attention the Park Avenue 
Christian Church, as it celebrates its 188th anniversary. I would also 
like to pay tribute to Senior Minister Reverend John Wade Payne and 
Associate minister Reverend Allen V. Harris for their dedication to the 
Park Avenue Christian Church and the surrounding community.

                          ____________________