[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MENDOCINO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 3, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
Mendocino Presbyterian Church on the occasion of the congregation's 
150th anniversary. The Mendocino Presbyterian Church in the village of 
Mendocino on California's north coast is the oldest active Presbyterian 
Church in California. Eight local residents including six women 
chartered it in 1859.
  The Mendocino Presbyterian Church is California Historic Landmark 
Number 714 and is listed on the Federal Register of Historic Places. 
Its spire and English gothic design are iconic symbols exemplifying 
Mendocino's history and much photographed architecture.
  The Church sanctuary is entirely built from local redwood. It was 
designed by San Francisco architects S.C. Bugbee and Son, who 
previously designed the Crocker and Stanford mansions, which were 
destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. Donations by local citizens and 
businesspeople such as pioneering residents Jeremy Ford and Henry 
Meiggs made the building possible. The first pastor in 1861 was 
Reverend David McClure and the first written record of the sermon was 
on October 19, 1861.
  A thousand pound cast iron bell was shipped from one of the most 
prestigious foundries in the New World, the Meneeley Foundry in West 
Troy, New York, around the Horn and installed in 1870. It has rung to 
signal Sunday services ever since. In addition to ringing for weddings 
and memorial services, since 2006 the bell has also tolled on Friday 
evenings in honor of our service men and women and Iraqi and Afghan 
civilians who died the previous week. Inside the bell tower is covered 
with chalk signatures, including every pastor, and others who have 
climbed the stepladder to the top. The bell rope, which extends to the 
reception area of the sanctuary, includes one knot for each ordained 
pastor who served. Symbolic sections join the knots as a historical 
record related to events around the nation and the world. A framed 
document interprets the bell rope significance.
  While the original chandeliers and wall sconces have been electrified 
and gilded, most of the interior of the Sanctuary remains the same as 
when it was constructed. The cork floor between the pews is a scuffed 
record of the many shoes from high heels to logging boots worn by those 
who have attended services.
  The Mendocino Presbyterian Church has been home to Rainbow pre-school 
welcoming children of all denominations since 1978. The Church sponsors 
the Mendocino Christian Camp, Bible Study and schools in Nicaragua as 
part of its mission and outreach. In addition, the adjacent Preston 
Hall is a popular community center for events such as art auctions, 
book sales, the Christmas bazaar, and receptions and meals. The Church 
is a popular wedding location and was featured in a Kodak commercial in 
the 1970s. In 1947, Warner Brothers filmed a scene for the movie Johnny 
Belinda inside the sanctuary with the Church choir performing.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring 150 years of 
invaluable religious, civic and community service by the Mendocino 
Presbyterian Church.

                          ____________________