[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF WATERLOO UNITED 
                            METHODIST CHURCH

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
150th Anniversary Celebration marking the building of the Waterloo 
United Methodist Church in the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, 
New Jersey, a vibrant community I am proud to represent.
  Waterloo United Methodist Church was started in 1855 by a few 
families crowded into a general store. Devoted congregants constructed 
a church in 1859. The congregation continued to thrive until the Great 
Depression when church membership was reduced to all but five 
congregants. Through the dedication of Mrs. Melissa Dolan, an organist 
and Sunday school teacher for the church for 50 years, the church was 
saved from abandonment. Not until 1971 was the church's survival once 
again threatened, this time by the construction of a dam. Through the 
help of New Jersey State Senator Wayne Dumont the church was allowed to 
remain in use and the congregants unanimously voted to not sell the 
property to the State. In 1980, when membership dwindled to eight 
families, a conscious effort was made by the congregation to keep their 
beloved church alive and to this day the church continues to be 
successful.
  The United Methodist Church remains the only operating building in 
the restored 19th century canal town of Waterloo Village. Today's 
inter-generational congregation is lead by three pastors, the only 
congregation in the State of New Jersey to be led by a pastoral team, 
and welcomes parishioners from all walks of life. Although few in 
numbers this progressive church takes great pride in accepting people 
from diverse backgrounds, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ 
whom embraced those that society did not.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Waterloo United Methodist Church on the celebration of 
150 years of serving its parishioners and all of Sussex County.

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