[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 151 (Thursday, November 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED PALACE CATHEDRAL

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, recognize, and 
celebrate the United Palace Cathedral's 45th anniversary and 45 years 
of ministry's services to the community.
  The United Palace Cathedral has been an important institution of the 
Northern Manhattan community with an esteemed reputation of devotion to 
our families and youth. The congregation has opened its doors, 
providing service and hope, to the poor, middle class and immigrant 
communities. The church has united the community and provided a 
welcoming place to practice the Christian faith.
  United Church, under the leadership of our pastoral beloved founder 
REVEREND IKE, is a place of worship for thousands of people of various 
races, faiths, and social strata. It is also a classic, architecturally 
grand, international, inter-cultural Center for the Arts.
  The square block United Building Complex, containing the Palace 
Auditorium, was purchased by the United Christian Evangelistic 
Association in 1969, under the direction of Dr. Frederick 
Eikerenkoetter (``Rev. Ike''), Founder and Pastor of the United Church. 
It fronts on four streets, occupying a full block on Broadway, 175th 
Street, and Wadsworth Avenue.
  The building was the last of the ``Wonder Theatres'' erected between 
1925 and 1930. These ``Wonder Theatres'' were so named because of their 
extravagant design and were placed in strategic areas of Manhattan. 
Intended as a stage theatre, it opened February 15th, 1930, and housed 
vaudeville shows for uptown residents. With the decline of vaudeville 
and the growing popularity of moving pictures, the theatre was quickly 
converted to a deluxe movie house and renamed Loew's 175th Street 
Theatre. The Church provides an impressive roster of youth programs 
ranging from tutoring classes for elementary to high school students to 
the Collegiate Society for the elder students. These programs have 
become vital in the fostering of young talent. United Palace has joined 
in a concerted community effort to keep our children off the streets by 
providing simulative, spiritual and cultural alternatives. The United 
Palace Cathedral demonstrates the power and fortitude of our community. 
Their congregation serves as a positive outcome produced by uniting in 
the face of adversity.
  The United Palace Cathedral believes and affirms: The Omnipresence of 
God--God is absolute good, everywhere present--The Divinity of 
Humankind--The Power and Value of Thought--Practicing the Presence--The 
Law of Demonstration. Knowing the Ancient Wisdom Principles, Universal 
Law and the laws of life, also called Truth, is not enough, we must 
also live and practice the Truth we know. ``But seek ye first the 
kingdom of God, and God's righteousness; and all these things will be 
added unto you.'' (Matthew 6:33)
  As a Spiritual and Multicultural Community, we: Believe that 
spiritual power lives within us, eager to be discovered and expressed; 
Emphasize universal spiritual principles and welcome people of all 
races, religion, social backgrounds, lifestyles and economic levels; 
View religion as an open-ended search for Truth rather than as a closed 
system of pre-established beliefs; Embrace Jesus Christ as the perfect 
expression of our own indwelling spiritual potential, and his teachings 
as a guide to our own spiritual empowerment; Recognize and embrace the 
importance of spiritual community in supporting and empowering our 
personal journey.
  This parish has demonstrated the power and fortitude of community. 
They refused to allow the loss of a physical space to destroy the bonds 
that they share with each other. The congregation serves as a beautiful 
portrayal of the positive outcome produced by uniting in the face of 
adversity.
  I ask my colleagues and our Nation to join me in this special 
Congressional Recognition of the United Palace Cathedral as they 
celebrate the 45th anniversary and 45 years of spiritual service and 
strength in the face of Adversity.

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