[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING ST. FRANCES OF ROME CHURCH

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate St. Frances of Rome 
Church located in Azusa, California in honor of their 100th 
anniversary. I am proud to recognize the important contributions of St. 
Frances of Rome on this historic occasion.
  Before the turn of the century, the Roman Catholics in Azusa would 
travel to the San Gabriel Valley Mission for mass. Even with the 
establishment of churches in Pasadena and Monrovia, and occasional 
masses held in the home of Henry C. Robelts and Susanna Melendez, 
Catholics in Azusa did not have an official church they could attend 
within their city.
  In May of 1905 preparations were made for the construction of a 
church for the Catholic community of Azusa. On January 12, 1908 the 
church became an official parish. On the same day the Church also 
offered its first baptism and two days later the first recorded 
marriage took place.
  Over the years, the church has expanded and renovated to better serve 
its members. Throughout the years, St. Frances has thrived and has 
become a mainstay in the community.
  Today, St. Frances also houses a school and the Azusa Food Bank. St. 
Frances of Rome is not simply a church; it has become a mainstay of the 
city of Azusa and I wish them luck in the future as they continue to 
serve the community.

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