[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST RUSSIAN 
                     ORTHODOX GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the parish of 
Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church, located 
in Little Falls, New Jersey as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
  The parish of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic 
Church has been an active part of the Little Falls community since its 
founding in 1915. Through its weekly masses, education center, and 
cultural celebrations, the church greatly reflects and celebrates its 
culture which has been rooted in the church by its founders, while 
still taking on new members in the present day.
  Saint John's was the product of two migrations: one from Europe prior 
to 1915 and one from Pennsylvania about a decade later. The original 
church was built in 1915 as a place for the Orthodox faithful to 
embrace their history, culture, and religion. In 1917, the church 
established a Russian School Program for the youth. Over the years, the 
Orthodox population in the area grew, as did the church itself. In 
1952, the architectural firm S.E. Greydanus & Son was hired to 
construct the new building. The project began on June 24, 1952. During 
the construction period, services were held at the Signac Public School 
and the Signac Fire House. Less than one year later, the project was 
completed and the first service was held in the new building on April 
2, 1953. From 1957 through 1970, the church continued to purchase new 
land and build additions. Its final project, an education-recreation 
center, was completed on April 17, 1970.
  The Parish of Saint John's has been helping the Orthodox community 
celebrate and practice their religion and beliefs. The church has also 
done much more; with the construction of its education center it has 
been able to offer programs such as a youth recreation center Sunday 
school, and much more to help educate the youth of the Orthodox 
community. The Sunday school teaches the youth about their religion and 
what it means to be an Orthodox Christian. Additionally, Saint John the 
Baptist Church invites all of those who wish to practice and understand 
their Orthodox beliefs to join them.
  For Saint John the Baptist's Centennial Celebration, I commend all of 
the pastors and committees of the Parish. Since its founding, Saint 
John's has been supported by the people of Little Falls; this is one of 
the main reasons why the parish is still a big part of the community. 
After 100 years of outstanding service to the Township of Little Falls, 
I commend and congratulate Saint John the Baptist Church for all of its 
hard work and dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Parish of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic 
Church, as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

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