[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1674-E1675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 300 ANNIVERSARY OF GREAT VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church in Tredyffrin 
Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania as they celebrate the Church's 
300th anniversary.
  Recognized as the second-oldest Presbyterian church in the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, services originally were held in homes of 
various members. Rev. Malachi Jones delivered the first sermon in 1714 
from a wooden pulpit inside the rough log cabin held together by iron 
nails forged on site and with windows made from imported glass.
  Organized more than 65 years before our nation declared its 
independence from Great

[[Page E1675]]

Britain, Great Valley aided America's Revolutionary War effort by 
providing supplies to help troops encamped at nearby Valley Forge 
survive the brutal winter of 1777-1778.
  While the Church and the area surrounding it has evolved immeasurably 
since the days when farmers and their families worshiped in a ``little 
country church,'' the tremendous commitment to nurturing the spiritual 
growth of members and strengthening the bonds between neighbors and 
families has remained constant.
  A worship service to give thanks for 300 years of faith and service 
will conclude the Church's tercentennial celebration on Sunday, 
September 19, 2010.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in 
congratulating the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church as 
they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes 
for continued success and growth.

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