[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. John's 
Episcopal Church in the Town of Boonton, Morris County, New Jersey, a 
vibrant community I am proud to represent! On October 21, 2006, the 
good citizens of Boonton will celebrate St. John's Episcopal Church's 
150th Anniversary.
  St. John's Episcopal Church was established in 1856, when the 
Reverend Charles F. Hoffman began holding services at a building on 
Main Street in Boonton. The Reverend Francis D. Canfield became Rector 
later that year and was responsible for leading his congregation to 
finance and build their own church. The plans were drawn by an 
architect renowned for the designs of such magnificent structures as 
Trinity Church, Trinity Chapel and St. Thomas' in New York City. The 
cornerstone of St. John's Church of Boonton was laid on July 8, 1863. 
The total cost of the building amounted to $3,600. The building was 
completed in three months and consecrated on October 13, 1863. Two 
years later the grounds were graded and enclosed in stone. The Reverend 
Canfield, in addition to his regular responsibilities, was responsible 
for raising much of the money needed to build the church.
  St. John's is also graced by its E. & G. G. Hook Company Opus 394 
pipe organ, which was installed in the north transept in 1893. The 
organ company was one of the foremost makers of fine pipe organs in the 
19th century. The organ has been in continuous service since its 
installation and is dedicated to Eleanor Bidwell, St. John's organist-
choirmaster for 37 years, through 2001.
  St. John's continues to be a vital part of the greater Boonton area 
to this day, hosting regular luncheons for the needy and helping to 
support the local Cedar Street Community Development Corporation, the 
Boy Scouts, the Seamen's Church Institute, and the Boonton Food Bank.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating St. John's Episcopal Church of Boonton on the 
celebration of its 150 years serving Morris County.

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