[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Sacramento on the 150th anniversary 
of their congregation's founding. Since Sacramento's earliest days 
Westminster Presbyterian has been a constant force of spirituality and 
tolerance in our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the church and its congregation on this historic occasion.
  Founded on April 27, 1856, the Westminster Presbyterian Church of 
Sacramento has been a fixture in our community for a century and half. 
Their first church service was held in a hall at 6th and J Streets, 
marking the formation of the first Presbyterian congregation in 
Sacramento.
  Westminster Presbyterian held services at a number of downtown 
locations before they built and moved into its current historic home on 
N Street, across from California's State capitol building in 1927.
  Through their first 150 years, Westminster Presbyterian Church and 
its members have sought to be a diverse, welcoming, regional 
congregation that is able to assist individuals in transforming their 
spiritual insights into positive actions in our community.
  For the past few years Westminster Presbyterian has extended a hand 
of prayer and compassion to many in Sacramento's diverse communities. 
Under the leadership of Rev. David Thompson, the church has been active 
on a wide range of issues, from civil rights to global warming. With 
its location across from the State capitol, the congregation's stance 
on such issues has played a welcome role in many of California's policy 
debates.
  On a personal note, my family and I will always be grateful to Rev. 
Thompson and the church's staff for opening their hearts and doors to 
us after my husband, Bob Matsui, passed away. The church was a gracious 
host to his funeral and the hundreds of attendees who mourned with us.
  Madam Speaker, as the members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in 
Sacramento gather to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their church's 
founding, I am honored to pay tribute to their historic church and 
enduring faith. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing 
the congregation and church's leadership continued success in serving 
all of us in Sacramento.

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