[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. PAUL'S COMMUNITY UNITED 
              METHODIST CHURCH OF POINT ARENA, CALIFORNIA

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 100th anniversary of St. Paul's Community United Methodist Church 
in Point Arena.
  St. Paul's was the first Protestant church on the rural and 
relatively isolated south Mendocino coast. It started out with 24 
parishioners and was led by Rev. David H. Haskin as its first pastor. 
In 1906 it was consecrated as a Methodist church.
  Tragically, on April 18th, 1906, a fire occurred in the aftermath of 
the San Andreas earthquake and destroyed the original St. Paul's Church 
and elementary school. With the support of its community, the church 
and elementary school were quickly rebuilt.
  Three items were rescued from the fire: the organ, two rectory chairs 
and the pulpit, all of which still grace the sanctuary. The most 
interesting item rescued was a unique, hand-carved pulpit made of three 
simulated Bibles. Mr. Ole Jensen, a church member and immigrant from 
Denmark, who was trained to make figureheads for ships, created it.
  St. Paul's Church has enriched the lives of its parishioners and 
fellow community members through weekly religious services and an 
elementary school. The church is a pillar of the community on the 
coast.
  Mr. Speaker, we honor this church for its contributions to the 
community and the continued resilience of its parishioners. It has been 
a welcoming haven and example of community strength since its original 
founding. It is appropriate at this time that we recognize St. Paul's 
Community United Methodist Church on its 100th anniversary.

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