[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MAYOR HYLAND R. JOHNS

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Honorable Hyland R. Johns on the occasion of his retirement after 
36 years of faithful service to the borough of Bryn Athyn, a close-knit 
community northeast of Philadelphia. I am honored to represent Mayor 
Johns and the entire Bryn Athyn community in Congress.
  Before being elected to Bryn Athyn borough council in 1971, Mr. Johns 
served both as a volunteer with the Bryn Athyn Fire Company and as 
borough zoning officer. He was elected to the borough council in 1971 
and one year later became vice president. Mr. Johns held the position 
of vice president until 1975 when he became borough council president. 
His service as president lasted for nine years until he was elected 
mayor. During his tenure as mayor, the borough of Bryn Athyn prospered.
  Bryn Athyn is home to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Cairnwood, and 
Glencairn Museum. Under Mr. Johns' leadership, the historic district of 
Bryn Athyn--which contains these local landmarks--was officially 
designated a National Historic Landmark. As Mayor, Mr. Johns served as 
a charming, enthusiastic, informed ambassador to neighboring residents, 
communities, businesses, organizations, and leaders in the region, 
sharing the unique significance of Bryn Athyn's architecture and 
religious heritage.
  Before his career as a local official, Mr. Johns faithfully served 
his country during the Second World War in the Navy's Construction 
Battalion. Mr. Johns went on to earn a graduate degree in Urban 
Forestry from Michigan State University. He is an active member of his 
church, has served on the board of the Academy of the New Church, and 
serves on the board of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. 
Under Mayor Johns' leadership, the Academy of the New Church has 
continued to expand, with the Mitchell Performing Arts Center opening 
in 2002.
  Madam Speaker, once again I applaud Mayor Johns for his dedication, 
service and accomplishments as an elected official for nearly four 
decades. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him on the momentous 
occasion of his retirement from public office.

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