[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2004

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate First 
Presbyterian Church of Columbia, CA, on the occasion of celebrating 150 
years of dedication and service to the needs of the community. The 
church is holding numerous anniversary events throughout 2004, 
culminating in the observance of the actual founding on December 19.
  The First Presbyterian Church was founded during the Gold Rush in 
1854 and is one of California's oldest Presbyterian churches. The first 
pastor, John Brodt, started out with 15 worshipers and together they 
organized the church in the gold mining camp of Columbia. The historic 
church of the 49ers is located in Tuolumne County and has been a 
landmark in the restored mining town of Columbia, which has been a 
California State Historic Park since 1945.
  Over the years, the church has had many renowned pastors. Henry 
Palmer delivered a eulogy in 1866 to then recently assassinated 
President Abraham Lincoln to a crowd of over 1,000 worshipers. Pastor 
Hugh Furneaux was designated ``Shepherd of the Hill'' by regional 
newspaper editors because of his efforts to go to remote camps with his 
two donkeys to deliver inspirational messages.
  Today, First Presbyterian Church is the only regular place of worship 
in Columbia offering weekly services. The church also offers a variety 
of other services to the community including: music ministry, youth 
ministry, adult bible study, preschool, parish nursing, small groups, 
Presbyterian women ministries, and interfaith social services.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate the First Presbyterian 
Church of Columbia, CA on the occasion of their 150th anniversary. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in wishing First Presbyterian Church many 
more years of continued success.

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