[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT MARY OF SORROWS CHURCH

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                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
150th anniversary of Saint Mary of Sorrows Church, in Fairfax, VA.
  Saint Mary of Sorrows Church was the first Catholic Church in Fairfax 
County. The original church was erected by Irish immigrants in 1858 and 
is still in use today.
  Throughout its history, St Mary's has been a sanctuary not only for 
its parishioners but for any person in need of help. During the Civil 
War, the church and its grounds were used as a field hospital for 
soldiers wounded from the Second Battle of Manassas and the engagement 
near Chantilly. Clara Barton, who later founded the Red Cross, was 
among those who provided medical care. The church also sacrificed some 
of the wooden pews for firewood while treating those wounded from 
battle.
  Because of St. Mary's distinguished history and devotion to helping 
those in need, it is registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark and has 
been added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1961, the 
American Red Cross, in conjunction with the Virginia State Historical 
Commission, placed a plaque on the church memorializing Clara Barton's 
work at St. Mary's.
  During the past 150 years, Saint Mary of Sorrows Church has grown to 
over 3,000 families and added a second, larger church building. St. 
Mary's continues to serve its fellow citizens through many social 
ministry programs including support for members of the armed forces, 
the homeless, the disabled and the impoverished.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Saint Mary of 
Sorrows Church on its 150th anniversary. It has been a role model for 
community service throughout its history. I call upon my colleagues to 
join me in applauding St. Mary's for its past accomplishments and in 
wishing them the best of luck in the many years to come.

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