[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON ITS 160TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join The Reverend Dr. Victor Rogers, members of the congregation, 
and the New Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations to 
the St. Luke's Episcopal Church as they celebrate its 160th 
Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure 
and I am proud to help them celebrate this momentous occasion.
  Our churches play a vital role in our communities--providing people 
with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. By 
strengthening our bonds of faith, St. Luke's gives its members a place 
to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their 
values. The members of the St. Luke's have also given much to the City 
of New Haven. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did 
their commitment to the enrichment of our community.
  Over the course of its history, St. Luke's has been a prominent 
member of our community, not only providing traditional worship 
services, but by offering much needed outreach programs for those most 
in need. From an emergency food pantry to GED classes to volunteers who 
care for the sick and shut-in, the clergy and congregation have worked 
hard to identify the problems faced by members of our community and to 
establish programs which will make a difference in their lives. By 
providing these resources, the St. Luke's Parish has touched the lives 
of thousands and made New Haven a better place in which to live.
  For one hundred sixty years, the St. Luke's Episcopal Church has been 
a fixture in New Haven. In fact, St. Luke's was recently placed on the 
National Register of Historic Places--a reflection of its deep roots 
and cultural importance. Through their ministry and outreach efforts, 
they have left an indelible mark on our community and continue to 
enrich the lives of others. I am proud to stand today and extend my 
very best wishes to them as they mark this milestone in their history. 
Happy 160th Anniversary!

                          ____________________