[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, FLORIDA CELEBRATES ITS 
                            50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Calvary Episcopal Church of Indian 
Rocks Beach, Florida, which I have the privilege to represent, will 
celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to our community next month 
and I would ask my colleagues to join me in saying congratulations to 
the members of this tremendous family oriented church.
  The effort to establish this church began in 1954 and in April of 
1962, this small church located on a beautiful piece of waterfront 
property opened its doors. With its mission statement expressing the 
congregation's belief that ``God is calling us to make known His truth 
and to convey His love to all,'' Calvary Episcopal has become a key 
part of this beach community.
  The church's energetic and beloved leader is Father Robert Wagenseil. 
Father Bob as he is affectionately called, traveled from New York 16 
years ago to pay the church a visit, and never left. Together with the 
church's Deacon, The Reverend Melissa Sands, and Music Director and 
Parish Administrator Lynn Vera, Calvary Episcopal and Father Bob serve 
the church community in a combination of traditional and unique ways.
  In addition to their wonderful music, Father Bob's inspirational 
messages, and the prayers they share together, the families of Calvary 
Episcopal reach out to help feed the hungry through an exceptional 
volunteer food bank. They teach our children through Sunday school 
programs and even a unique summer sailing school led by Father Bob. He 
tells me that one of his highlights every year is the graduation 
ceremony for his Intrepid Sailors.
  They provide computer skills training in their church computer lab to 
help the unemployed and the underemployed. And Father Bob and the 
church have formed a special bond with the local fire fighting 
community and in particular Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue and the 
Indian Rocks Volunteer Firemen's Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege to worship at Calvary Episcopal 
with my family and I can tell you that Father Bob and the members of 
his church always find new ways to amaze me both spiritually and 
through the compassion they show their neighbors in need. Please join 
me in saying congratulations to the members of Calvary Episcopal on 
their first 50 years of ministry and service.

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