[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 150th Anniversary of St. 
Peter's Episcopal Church in Redwood City, California. This congregation 
cherishes its diversity and welcomes anyone who wants to join its 
spiritual journey.
  Father Giles Alexander Easton founded the church in 1864 a few months 
after he led the first Episcopal service in Redwood City in a room at 
the old county courthouse. He named the congregation after St. Peter's 
Church in Smyrna, Delaware, where he had been baptized and confirmed.
  St. Peter's was the second church in Redwood City to organize and 
construct a church building. In 1867, the ``Little Red Church'' was 
built and became a landmark for six decades.
  In the 20th century, as the population in Redwood City increased, the 
parish outgrew its building and moved to its current location at 178 
Clinton Street. In 1925, the congregation built a parish hall that 
served as the church and a meeting space. In 1952, the sanctuary, 
offices and classrooms were added as the baby boom reached its peak. 
While many of the baby boomers are thinking about retirement now, the 
young generations continue to utilize St. Peter's buildings and 
grounds. The church houses a Montessori preschool, the Ragazzi Boys 
Choir and its own youth group.
  Over the last 150 years Redwood City has changed dramatically. The 
railroad transformed a small logging port into a suburb, and the 
explosive growth of Silicon Valley turned the suburb into the hometown 
of many technology companies and their employees. This explosive growth 
has brought wealth to many residents, but it has also left some of them 
behind. Many families struggle with skyrocketing housing prices and 
rents, a high cost of living and job insecurity. One thing that has not 
changed in Redwood City is that the doors of St. Peter's Church are 
open to everyone.
  The parish is proud to include people from all walks of life and of 
all ages. It is also very active in mentoring young people to give back 
to the community. St. Peter's has delivered hundreds of backpacks and 
uniforms to local schools, has served many meals and filled many ``Hope 
Bags'' for the homeless.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives rise with me to 
acknowledge the good that St. Peter's Episcopal Church has done over 
the last 150 years for its parishioners and the community at large. May 
it continue to share its welcoming spirit for at least another 150 
years.

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