[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      ST. GEORGE'S CARPATHO-RUSSIAN ORTHODOX GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the parishioners of 
St. George's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in Taylor, 
Pennsylvania, who are celebrating the church's 75th anniversary.
  In 1937, immigrants from Eastern Europe would labor for long hours in 
the coal mines of Northeastern Pennsylvania, then report to the site of 
a future church. There, they would help excavate and construct the 
building. Many parishioners generously mortgaged their homes to provide 
collateral for the project. On October 3, 1937, the cornerstone was 
dedicated, and St. George's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Church 
began its mission of glorifying God.
  In 1954, a tragic gas explosion destroyed the church hall and tested 
the parish's resiliency. Officers and trustees immediately established 
plans to rebuild, and two months later, St. George's Social Club rooms 
were completely rebuilt and reopened. Members of the congregation would 
be challenged again in 1975, as a mine subsidence threatened the church 
and forced the congregation to move. Four years later, St. George's 
found its permanent home on Keyser Avenue near Scranton. This modern 
church complex, which can hold 350 of the faithful, is among the most 
beautiful in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
  Today, the dedicated parishioners of St. George's continue the 
virtuous work started by their forbears 75 years ago. This generation's 
goal is to continue the work done by past generations. The present 
church is the result of faithfulness to the teachings, customs, and 
traditions of immigrants from Eastern Europe. With the guidance of 
their present pastor, Father Mark Leasure, the church welcomes all 
families as they seek to explore the rich Christian faith.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer my most sincere congratulations and deepest 
respect to the parishioners of St. George's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox 
Greek Catholic Church of Taylor, Pennsylvania, and I wish them many 
years of successful, faithful future service.

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