[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 37 (Thursday, March 14, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H1423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN VILLAGE AT DOWLING 
                             PARK, FLORIDA

  (Mr. YOHO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a wonderful and unique 
community in my district, the Advent Christian Village at Dowling Park, 
Florida, which is now in its 100th year.
  Scripture advises us that, to whom much has been given, much is 
returned. Thomas Dowling of Suwannee County, Florida, had this in mind 
a century ago when he set out to turn his thriving lumber business into 
a vision for the community. Mr. Dowling set aside some of his property 
that he was developing around Live Oak for the Advent Christian Church 
to use for ministry. Before long, a family of five orphaned siblings 
had come to live at Dowling Park. The Setzer children became the first 
residents of Advent Christian Church's Home and Orphanage, which also 
opened its doors to the elderly.
  Today, Advent Christian Village is a leading-edge retirement 
community of more than 800 dynamic, welcoming members of America's 
Greatest Generation. While children no longer live at Advent Christian 
Village, they are an integral part of the ministry carried out by 
today's residents who, a century later, still take Thomas Dowling's 
vision to heart.
  The story of the Advent Christian Village is one of Americans coming 
together, expressing generosity and kindness to one another and helping 
those in need. Dowling Park is one of the brightest spots in Suwannee 
County and the Third District, and I congratulate them on 100 years of 
ministry.

                          ____________________