[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING COMMUNITY PROTESTANT CHURCH OF CO-OP CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, a church can be the mainstay of a community, 
the bond which holds its people together in common purpose. In the 
Bronx, the Co-op City community is fortunate to have such a church, the 
Community Protestant Church of Co-op City.
  And today I rise to congratulate that wonderful institution and its 
worshippers who are celebrating the church's 30th anniversary.
  The Community Protestant Church started humbly enough with the 
organizational meeting of co-operators, as residents of Co-op City are 
called, in the spring of 1969. Initially services were held in the 
homes on a rotating basis before moving to a community room. Visiting 
ministers were provided by the Council of Churches on a weekly basis. 
The following year Temple Beth-El shared its space with the Church and 
the Rev. Julius Sasportas volunteered to serve as pastor.
  It was on March 21, 1971, that the church was officially 
incorporated. That same year the church acquired and renovated space at 
2053 Asch Loop North and in May of the following year moved into its 
new quarters. In December, 1972, the Rev. Daniel Ward was sent by the 
Southern Baptist Convention to serve as Pastor.
  In the following years more space was acquired and in 1976 the Rev. 
Dr. Calvin E. Owens became the spiritual leader of the church. New land 
was acquired for a permanent home and in November 3, 1994, 
groundbreaking ceremonies were held.
  I congratulate the Community Protestant Church on its 30th 
anniversary and wish the church many more years in the community.

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