[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF 
                              MONMOUTH, OR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Ms. HOOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First 
Christian Church of Monmouth. In the past 150 years, the members of 
this church have proven again and again the depth of their caring and 
giving, not just to their community, but to all those in need.
  From 1850 to 1853, pioneers like Elijah Davidson, Ira F.M. Butler and 
others came to the Oregon Territory from their homes in Monmouth, 
Illinois--the inspiration for what became Monmouth, Oregon. These 
settlers, members of the Disciples of Christ Church, came to create a 
new community and school steeped in their religion and their values, 
tenets that they shared with the long history of pioneers going back to 
the Pilgrims. In 1856, Monmouth University (present-day Western Oregon 
University) was chartered, and it became the first home for the church.
  The First Christian Church has long since outgrown its small 
beginnings, a single 20 by 30 foot room on the comer of Monmouth Avenue 
and Church Street. The church moved to its current location in 1913 and 
remains there today, where it still acts as a staple of town fellowship 
and camaraderie.
  Just as the buildings that house this faith community have changed 
and grown over the years, so has the church's congregation. Active in 
the community, their good works include a teen center for local youth 
as well as the home for the Monmouth chapter of Meals on Wheels. This 
congregation represents the heart of the community and the goodness in 
people which we should all strive to achieve.
  I want to take this opportunity to honor this church for the efforts 
that they have made on behalf of the residents of Monmouth and students 
of Western Oregon University. On this, their sesquicentennial 
anniversary, I acknowledge and honor the First Christian Church of 
Monmouth for their service and dedication to their community.