[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 128 (Friday, September 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1749]]



  HONORING THE CHURCH OF ST. JOACHIM IN TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, ON THEIR 
                         CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2001

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. 
Joachim's Roman Catholic Church in Trenton, New Jersey, as they 
celebrate their Centennial. At the turn of the 20th Century, millions 
of immigrants from Italy journeyed to the United States in the hopes of 
starting a new life. Thousands of these immigrants--who later become 
proud Italian-Americans--settled in Trenton, New Jersey.
  These immigrants found jobs in the city's once thriving steel mills, 
rubber factories, and pottery factories. But life was about much more 
than work. These newcomers sought comfort in their Italian culture, 
kinship with their fellow immigrants, and solace and guidance in their 
Roman Catholic faith.
  In 1901, 100 years ago, because of cultural differences and language 
barriers, Rev. James A. McFaul, Bishop of Trenton, established St. 
Joachim's Parish to accommodate the spiritual needs of the city's 
newest Catholics. Bishop McFaul gave the task of establishing this new 
parish to Rev. Aloysius Pozzi, an Italian Priest who at the time had 
been in the United States for less than five years.
  This new Parish had a meager physical beginning. There was no church, 
and Masses were held in Centennial Hall on Hudson and Genesee Streets. 
But while lacking in physical materials, this new Parish was rich in 
members and spirit. In fact, the first Mass of St. Joachim's was 
offered for 1,500 people.
  Plans to build their own church were quickly developed and on August 
15, 1903, the cornerstone of St. Joachim's Church was laid during 
festivities attended by church and civic leaders, as well as thousands 
of Italian-American immigrants. But Rev. Pozzi, who later became a 
Monsignor, did not rest once the church was built; instead he worked 
tirelessly to establish a new parochial school, which opened in 1909. 
For 90 years, St. Joachim's School provided area children with a value-
filled Catholic education until declining enrollment forced its closure 
in 1999.
  Mr. Speaker, for 100 years, St. Joachim's has faithfully served its 
parishioners, ministering and providing services to the community. I 
ask all of my colleagues to join with me in congratulating St. 
Joachim's on their Centennial Celebration and to thank them for all of 
their contributions to the rich heritage and culture of Trenton, the 
Capital City of New Jersey.

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