[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E159]]


IN HONOR OF THE PARISHIONERS OF WESTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON THE 
            OCCASION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the 100th anniversary of Westwood United Methodist Church and to pay 
tribute to the legacy of community service that has marked that parish 
since its inception.
  On February 10, 1908, twenty people first organized the parish as the 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Westwood. The first services were 
held almost two weeks later in Odd Fellows Hall in Westwood. As the 
church grew, a sanctuary and parish building were built. The original 
sanctuary, which is now a part of the education wing, was built in 
1913. The sanctuary now in use was dedicated in 1960.
  Community service has always been a cornerstone of Westwood United 
Methodist Church's mission. Longtime member Ada Hampton helped to 
organize the Westwood Area Clergy Council and Westwood United Methodist 
Church has been an active participant since its inception. The parish 
worked with other community congregations to establish the Westwood 
House for Senior Citizens. They established the Family Food Cupboard 
and actively support the Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale, 
including through their September Food Drive. The Church regularly 
opens its doors to area self-help groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. 
Gamblers Anonymous, and Alanon. And the Church has offered its 
facilities to the community as a crisis center in the event of a 
catastrophic emergency.
  The Church has recently opened up a not-for-profit thrift shop to 
support charitable work. Westwood United Methodist Church has also been 
a longstanding, strong supporter of scouting, having been home to Troop 
47 for over 80 years. The Twin Valleys District of the Northern New 
Jersey Council often looks to the Church for a meeting and event 
location. During the holidays. Westwood United Methodist works with the 
Bergen County Division of Youth and Family Services to brighten 
Christmas for less fortunate children through Operation Santa Claus. 
They work with the Inter-Religious Fellowship to provide meals for the 
homeless as well.
  This parish provides a tremendous public service beyond its own 
church community and I commend them for their good works as they 
rededicate themselves to another century of service.

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