[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HUNTINGDON VALLEY

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                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Huntingdon Valley in 
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
  The First Baptist Church of Huntingdon Valley was established in 
1900. The first two decades of the century were years of intense 
recruitment as new Christians were being sought, baptized, and 
organized into a church body. The founder and first pastor, the 
Reverend Price David Chandler, united two small groups, a home-based 
weekly prayer meeting and a home-based Sunday School class, to form the 
nucleus of the church.
  Through World War I, the church remained intact and served as a place 
of worship for the community suffering from national unrest and 
disrupted family lives. During this time, the building experienced a 
series of remodelings and renovations including the installation of 
electric lighting, stained glass windows, a metal ceiling, pews to 
replace chairs, and central heating.
  The 1930s brought the Great Depression and First Baptist established 
a system of dues whereby members were considered in good standing if 
they paid 25 cents each month on Communion Sunday. In 1937 after 37 
years of faithful service, Reverend Chandler passed away.
  The spirit of First Baptist Church was tested in the 1940s as a 
result of World War II. Attendance was unstable because young men were 
drafted into the military and other members, both men and women, worked 
in defense plants with irregular and demanding hours. Despite the hard 
times, First Baptist remained in business.
  The 1960s were a time of renewal for the church. A Vacation Bible 
School was initiated and the First Baptist Church installed its fourth 
pastor, the Reverend Howard Cartwright, Jr., whose intense interest was 
missionary work. The congregation became acquainted with missionaries 
from far and near, serving in both foreign and domestic areas.
  In 1997, the First Baptist Church of Huntingdon Valley installed its 
current pastor, the Reverend Bruce Wayne Petty, Sr., whose very 
vigorous, enthusiastic teaching and preaching ministry increase 
spiritual insights necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st 
Century.
  As one of the oldest churches in Montgomery County, First Baptist 
demonstrates how commitment and dedication can lead to a prosperous and 
successful church. The history that surrounds the First Baptist Church 
of Huntingdon Valley is unparalleled and it is a privilege to recognize 
this extraordinary parish on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.

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