[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 151 (Friday, October 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF GALLATIN'S FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2003

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 175th year of 
existence of the First Presbyterian Church in Gallatin, Tennessee. The 
congregation will celebrate the church's 175th anniversary on Sunday, 
October 26, 2003.
  The historical church was organized on October 25, 1828, after a 
revival led by the Rev. John W. Hall. Constructed in 1836-37, the 
building is registered by the Historical Society of Philadelphia as an 
American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site. The church's 
sanctuary was even used as a hospital by federal troops during the 
Civil War.
  The Middle Tennessee church has served its community and congregation 
well for nearly two centuries, a time during which our nation struggled 
through much change and innovation. Through all of it, though, the 
First Presbyterian Church never faltered in its commitment to bring the 
Lord's word to the people.
  Gallatin is a much stronger community because of the work of the 
church and its congregation. Members of the church actively participate 
in all facets of community life in Gallatin and elsewhere, including 
helping the less fortunate in Matamoros, Mexico. I congratulate the 
congregation's dedicated service to humanity and wish the church 
continued success during its next 175 years of existence.

                          ____________________