[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2401-E2402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF THE GARFIELD PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Garfield Park 
Christian Church which celebrates its centennial anniversary in the 
City of Santa Cruz, California this November. Commonly known as the 
``circle church'' the surrounding neighborhoods were designed as a 
series of concentric circles built around the original tabernacle, 
making the church and the neighborhood forever linked.
  Nestled into the heart of the Westside of Santa Cruz, not only does 
the Church celebrate a hundred years in our community but the 
neighborhoods surrounding the building do as well. Today the church 
grounds are a common meeting place for children, families and pet 
lovers. The church provides not only a place of worship but a cultural 
and community center for the surrounding homes and neighborhoods. It is 
estimated that over five hundred people use the facilities for events, 
meetings and gatherings each week.
  Built in 1890, the church was designed to be a religious center to 
the unique surrounding neighborhoods that were built in circles around 
the church and serve as its congregation. When their original 
tabernacle burnt down in 1935, the spirit of the church did not falter. 
The loss was turned into a gift when for more than twenty years the 
site of the original tabernacle was leased to the city to be a park and 
playground, the original ``Garfield Park.'' Today the Garfield Park 
Christian Church sanctuary and gym stand on the site of the old 
Tabernacle, tying the new buildings to their original beginnings.
  Although Garfield Park Church does have a legacy of being a place of 
worship among its congregation, it is also devoted to keeping alive 
compassion and strength of community in its surrounding residents. Two 
other congregations meet in the building each week along with the 
building being home to the annual Hindu Navratri festival and other 
events. By opening its doors and hearts to so many groups, meetings and 
people, the Garfield Park Church displays its commitment to open 
compassion and unity.
  With this anniversary the church will adopt a new name in celebration 
of their centennial celebration. Moving forward they are adopting ``A 
New Vision for a New Century'' and a new name ``The Circle Church, 
Disciples of Christ,'' as they look forward to the next hundred years.

[[Page E2402]]

  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize an organization that is so 
deeply rooted in community involvement and unity. I am excited for this 
year's celebration and look forward to many more years of gathering in 
the circle neighborhoods of Santa Cruz.

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