[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 24, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING HOLLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS AND SAMUEL ADAMS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Forbes). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise to pay special tribute 
to a very special school, Holland Christian Schools, as they prepare to 
recognize and celebrate their centennial.
  For a century, Holland Christian Schools, located in Holland, 
Michigan, has provided a quality, Christ-centered education for 
students from preschool to grade 12.
  More than 11,000 students have graduated since its founding, and with 
a current enrollment of approximately 2,400 students in grades K-12 
representing more than 110 different churches, including more than 20 
different church denominations, Holland Christian Schools is one of the 
largest, parent-governed Christian schools in our country.
  Holland Christian Schools has a wonderful history of accomplishment 
and teaching. Holland Christian Schools' educational philosophy finds 
its basis in the words of Deuteronomy 6:6,7: ``And these words which I 
command you this day shall be upon your heart and you shall teach them 
diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in 
your house, when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when 
you rise.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am a proud graduate of Holland Christian High School, 
as is my wife, Diane, and my daughter, Erin. My other two children, 
Allison and Bryan, are students there currently.
  On the special occasion of their 100th-year anniversary, I am pleased 
to stand and recognize Holland Christian Schools and their fine 
tradition of academic excellence and commitment to Christian values.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to address another topic this evening. 
This is taken from ``Samuel Adams: The Character of Conviction.''
  Mr. Speaker, it was said by the American preacher, Dwight Moody, ``If 
I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.''
  America's founders were men and women who cared not so much for their 
reputations as they did for their character and the character of the 
Nation. Such was the case for an American who came to be known as the 
Father of the American Revolution, Samuel Adams of Boston.
  He was respected because of his great character and strong Christian 
faith. Samuel Adams' passion and presence commanded not only the 
respect of his fellow citizens, but of the British authorities as well. 
It was his Christian faith that was the foundation of his character; 
and this character was the foundation of a reputation that enabled 
Samuel Adams to stand firm in the face of British opposition, as well 
as prepare a young Nation to secure the blessings of liberty. His quest 
began some 6 years before the Declaration of Independence when the 
seeds of revolution were being planted across the colonies.
  Adams was the clerk of the Massachusetts court, but that did not stop 
him from leading an uprising against the Governor of Massachusetts, 
demanding the removal of British troops of Boston. The showdown left 
five colonists dead and quickly earned recognition as the Boston 
Massacre.
  The other patriots had died for freedom, but the Boston Massacre 
became a rallying cry echoing through city streets and rural farms.
  The citizens of Boston were enraged by the massacre and the 
stationing of troops within the city limits. The morning after the 
massacre, the citizens of Boston met and appointed a committee, which 
included Samuel Adams. Their charge was clear: present to the acting 
Governor of Massachusetts their demand that the troops be removed from 
the city.

  Governor Hutchinson equivocated, telling Samuel Adams that the troops 
were not subject to his command. Samuel Adams replied that unless the 
troops were removed from Boston, the blood of revolution would be on 
the Governor's hands.
  The following morning preparations began for the troops' removal.
  What led the Governor to bow to the demands of Samuel Adams and the 
citizens of Boston? Governor Hutchinson was in a difficult position: 
either face the angry mob outside of his gates or the angry British 
authorities across the sea.
  But more than mobs and massacres, the Governor was influenced by the 
words and reputation of Samuel Adams. He was well aware of Adams' 
character and his wisdom as a loyal and upstanding citizen.
  Years earlier, the British authorities had attempted to bribe a poor 
Adams with political power and wealth, if only he would join their 
cause. Governor Hutchinson had said of Adams, ``Such is the obstinacy 
and inflexible disposition of the man that he can never be conciliated 
by any office or gift whatever.''
  Governor Hutchinson was wisely unwilling to test Adams in his demand 
for the removal of troops. This small, but important victory, inspired 
the colonists and began the erosion of British domination in the New 
World.

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