[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1584-E1585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      A TRIBUTE TO ONEONTA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SOUTH PASADENA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oneonta 
Congregational Church of South Pasadena upon its centennial 
anniversary.
  Oneonta Congregational Church was established in South Pasadena in 
1910, when the Ladies Aid Society called upon Dr. I. Curtis Meserve, 
D.D. to be the first pastor of the developing church. The first 
services were held in the new high school and then in the parsonage 
bungalow, and the first Sunday school met in a garden. Founders Day was 
October 12, 1910, when officers were elected at the first official 
meeting. In 1911, land on Fletcher Avenue was acquired for the first 
church building, which was completed in 1925. The church was named 
after Henry E. Huntington's home town, the City of Oneonta, New York 
and it is a Native American name that means ``place of rest.''
  Since its inception one hundred years ago, Oneonta Congregational 
church has only had twelve senior ministers serve the church. One of 
the most beloved ministers was Dr. Henry David Gray, the church's fifth 
senior minister. Under his leadership, land was purchased and the new 
sanctuary was constructed. Dedicated on October 12, 1950, with the 
first worship service held on October 15, the sanctuary, located on 
Garfield Avenue on the grounds of the former Boothe estate, was 
designed by award-winning architect Herbert Powell and was featured in 
Life Magazine for its beauty. Fellowship hall was completed in 1954, 
and the Christian education building was completed in 1972.
  During the ministry of Dr. Gray, membership grew from 703 to 2,157. 
He instituted workshops and interest groups, which included 
participation in worship services, program building, recreational 
activities and work in the church office, and organized the pilgrim 
fellowship for youth and led youth church members on significant 
journeys overseas.
  Other notable senior ministers include Dr. Charles Copenhaver, who 
hosted Sunday night radio broadcasts called ``Let's Talk,'' and Dr. 
Edwin Roberts, the longest-serving minister at twenty-one years, who 
was instrumental in increasing church members' participation in 
voluntary church responsibilities and sharing resources generously with 
those in need. The twelfth and current minister is Reverend Douglas 
Brandt, who has added a contemporary worship service and increased 
outreach to youth. In addition to Oneonta Congregational Church's own 
ministries, such as their music, adult, and youth ministries, 
congregants also volunteer for various organizations such as Door of 
Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Urban Family Center, Union 
Station Homeless Services, YMCA, Foothill Unity Center, Pan American 
Institute and the Ronald McDonald House.
  I consider it a privilege to recognize the Oneonta Congregational 
Church of South Pasadena, and I invite all Members to join me in 
congratulating the congregation upon one hundred years of service to 
the community.

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