[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ST. FRANCIS PARISH AMARILLO, TEXAS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. 
Francis Parish, in Amarillo, Texas, on the occasion of its 100th 
Anniversary.
  The history of the St. Francis Parish can be traced to the early 
1900's when Texas sold public lands to encourage development in the 
region. In 1907, the Reverend Francis J. O'Reilly decided to establish 
a ``Catholic colony'' in the Texas Panhandle. After an extensive 
search, a site was selected to serve a growing number of parishioners 
settling the area. By 1908, over 13,000 acres on the Potter-Carson 
County line were purchased to develop a town.
  The community boomed with families who were attracted to West Texas 
to work the land as faithful farmers and ranchers, and the first 
Catholic church was built there in 1908. The parish continues to 
flourish with a current congregation of about 65 families.
  Over the years, the community and parish experienced both the 
blessings and challenges of life in West Texas. Dealing with 
unpredictable weather, crops, and economic conditions served to help 
parishioners become even more steadfast in their faith. The strong 
agricultural community set deep roots in the area, and many descendents 
of those first families still call the Texas Panhandle and St. Francis 
home.
  The St. Francis Parish continues to actively celebrate and embrace 
its history of faith and community. In 1983, they commemorated their 
75th Anniversary, which included the placement of a historical marker 
and the publication of a hardbound history book entitled ``Harvest of 
Memories--The St. Francis Story.''
  Faith, family, and fellowship make our communities strong and provide 
us with hope. As St. Francis Parish celebrates its past and looks ahead 
to the future, I join with the community to wish them a joyous 100th 
Anniversary.

                          ____________________