[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5113-S5114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise to make a few comments on the 
sesquicentennial anniversary of Christ Episcopal Church in St. Joseph, 
MO.
  The first formal service of the Episcopal Church was held in the 
orchard of Mrs. Kate Howard's home at 5th and Francis on September 1, 
1851. The Reverend John McNamara, Missionary to the Platte Purchase, 
celebrated the service. On April 14, 1852, Christ Church parish was 
organized and the small group purchased a log structure at the 
northwest corner of 3rd and Jules.
  On July 30, 1877 Bishop Robertson of the Diocese of Missouri laid the 
cornerstone of the new church. The building is brick in the English 
Gothic style. It is the second oldest building in the city in 
continuous use as a place of worship by one congregation.
  During the 1896 renovation an organ was purchased from a church in 
Connecticut. This Johnson organ was originally built in 1867. The women 
of the parish who sponsored three operettas at the Tootle Opera House 
raised the money for the organ. The original portion is the oldest 
organ in St. Joseph.
  Christ Episcopal Church continues to be a presence in downtown St. 
Joseph. The members are involved in community outreach activities 
including the Open Door Food Kitchen, Downtown Partners Association, 
Ecumenical Corporation for Housing Opportunities, and a Mother's Day 
Baby Shower to benefit the Division of Family Services.

[[Page S5114]]

  I commend the congregation of Christ Episcopal Church on their 
continued commitment to maintain high standards of worship, music and 
fellowship for a church of 220 parishioners. I am pleased to join with 
the St. Joseph community and the State of Missouri in congratulating 
the congregation and wishing them continued growth and success for the 
next 150 years. 

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