[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Joseph's 
Slovak Catholic Church of Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey, which 
is celebrating 100 years as an important member of the local community.
  Since St. Joseph's establishment in 1912, it has been contributing to 
the religious, cultural and social diversity that has come to define 
New Jersey. The church was initially founded by immigrants fleeing 
religious persecution in Slovakia. Many of the early members of the 
congregation worked in the Woolen Mills, Duke Park and along the 
railroads crisscrossing the area. Beginning with only a handful of 
families, the parish of the new St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church 
gathered on October 1, 1912 to form a church society with the goal of 
raising enough money to build a church where they could practice their 
faith in their native tongue free from persecution or prejudice.
  In 1914, the society raised enough money to purchase a piece of 
property in Raritan for the construction of a church. The church was 
formally dedicated in 1915 after a year of construction. Adding to 
their permanent presence in Raritan, the parish added an adjoining 
school in 1926. The school initially had a class of 234 students and 
was focused on providing students with a source of education on their 
Catholic faith and Slovak heritage.
  St. Joseph's provides an exemplary illustration of the benefits of 
sharing culture and beliefs with others. Religious and cultural centers 
such as St. Joseph's, provide religious education, philanthropic 
assistance for those in need, and a greater sense of cultural awareness 
to the local community while providing a place for people to gather and 
worship.
  The parish of St. Joseph's has been very involved in giving back to 
the community philanthropically, participating in food bank 
collections, gathering baby clothing and formula for struggling 
mothers, and joining other churches in their charitable works. St. 
Joseph's assistance casts a wide net, helping people from the Raritan 
area as well as participating in worldwide assistance efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church for 100 years of dedicated work on 
behalf of the Great State of New Jersey.

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