[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. DOROTHEA'S CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
anniversary of St. Dorothea's Catholic Church in Eatontown, New Jersey.
  The one hundred year history of St. Dorothea's Church is rich in 
stories of individuals' commitment to community service and helping 
others. The congregation was first established on October 1, 1905 in 
the small Quaker village of Eatontown made up of farmers, merchants and 
some professionals. Before enough funds were secured to build an actual 
structure, Mass was celebrated in the private homes of the few 
Catholics in the neighborhood. The first recorded Mass was celebrated 
in the ``Buttonwood Cottage'' on Main Street, on October 10, 1905.
  Over the years, many pastors have served the community of St. 
Dorothea's. Rev. James B. Coyle, who served the parish from 1960-1990, 
oversaw the construction of a new, modern church in 1965, which offered 
more space for worship as well as youth and adult, educational 
programming and community activities. With the creation of the new 
building, St. Dorothea's has provided to the local residents of 
Eatontown and the surrounding communities in Monmouth County.
  In recent years, Rev. G. Williams Evans has developed greater 
outreach and community service for St. Dorothea's. Some of the many 
programs that he has established are ministries to several segments of 
the population, the Knights of Columbus chapter and a ``Prayer Garden'' 
located on the grounds of the church. Currently, Rev. Evans is 
supervising the publication of St. Dorothea's one hundred year history, 
written by parishioner Gordon Bishop.
  Some of the many community outreach programs that St. Dorothea's runs 
are religious education classes, Vacation Bible School for young 
parishioners as well as a youth group that provides structured 
activities and events for teenagers. Also groups of volunteers provide 
pastoral and hospital care for the community's sick and elderly, giving 
spiritual care to those in need. The parish continues to organize 
important events for fundraising and special occasions, and soon is 
commemorating its centennial anniversary with a series of events, 
including a picnic, parish trip, concert, mass, and dinner.
  Mr. Speaker, I join Eatontown Mayor Gerald Tarantolo and many others 
in recognizing St. Dorothea's Church for its rich one hundred year 
history and service to the people of Eatontown. From the hard work of 
the original 18 parishioners in 1905 to the dedication of the over 1770 
parishioners today, St. Dorothea's has provided an outstanding ministry 
to the people of Central New Jersey.

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