[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 115 (Thursday, September 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SYRACUSE'S ST. BRIGID AND ST. 
                            JOSEPH'S PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 6, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th 
anniversary of St. Brigid and St. Joseph Church in Syracuse, New York. 
Its congregation is gathering to recognize this important milestone 
during a memorial mass and celebration on Sunday, September 16, 2001.
  Established on May 26, 1926, and incorporated on August 9, 1926, St. 
Brigid's was formed from a portion of the rapidly growing St. Patrick's 
Parish on Tipperary Hill. While masses were first celebrated within St. 
Patrick's School by St. Brigid's founding pastor--Rev. William H. 
McCormick, the parish's first sanctuary was constructed the following 
year at the corner of Willis Avenue and Herkimer Street at a cost of 
$165,000. The church's cornerstone was laid on June 15, 1927 with its 
first mass on August 21st. St. Brigid's School opened on September 6th 
of that year under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph of 
Carondolet.
  Since that time, the parish has grown considerably. Under the 
leadership of its second pastor--Rev. William J. Brennan, the parish's 
debt was retired. Construction of a larger sanctuary began in 1955 with 
a Dedication Day Mass celebrated in the new church on November 6, 1956. 
Rev. J. James Bannon was pastor at that time. In 1964, St. Brigid's 
merged with St. Joseph's French Church to become St. Brigid and St. 
Joseph's Parish. Rev. David J. Norcott became the combined church's 
first pastor followed by Rev. James A. McCloskey.
  The parish is served today by Rev. Laurence W. Kennedy, Pastor, Mr. 
Leonard S. Monnat, Deacon, and Sister Theresa Brown, CSJ, Director of 
Human Development and Parish Minister. Approximately 510 families are 
served by St. Brigid and St. Joseph's Church. The parish continues to 
be a strong steward of Christian values and community outreach, 
ministering to the people of Syracuse's Westside.
  On the occasion of its 75th anniversary, it is my honor to recognize 
the people of St. Brigid and St. Joseph's Church and to extend best 
wishes for many more successful years of faith-based ministry to 
follow.

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