[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            200TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2015

  Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th 
anniversary of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, 
Connecticut.
  The history of St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington dates to 
before the Revolutionary War when missionaries celebrated Anglican 
rites with local residents. A handful of families bound by the mission 
of faithful service founded St. John's Episcopal Church and built their 
first wood frame church in Davies Hollow in 1794. In 1815, the wooden 
structure was moved by wagon to the parish's current home on the Green.
  As the church's membership continued to grow, the congregation raised 
funds to build a new church. In 1915, renowned architect Ehrick 
Rossiter designed the stone structure that is still in use today. Over 
the decades, the church flourished. The ministries expanded to include 
a choir, Sunday school, and many community outreach activities. In 
2012, Rev. Susan McCone was installed as the thirteenth Rector of St. 
John's Episcopal Church, the congregation's first female head.
  Over the past 200 years, the Town of Washington grew around the 
church. Today, St. John's stands as an architectural landmark and 
spiritual beacon on Green Hill welcoming 200 families in fellowship. 
St. John's inclusive hospitality and dedication to promoting interfaith 
dialogue through educational programs and spiritual events builds the 
sense of community for parishioners and neighbors alike. The 
congregation supports the town through programs like the St. John's 
Emergency Fund, which helps Washington residents who experience urgent 
and unforeseen hardship with monetary assistance for food, medicine, 
and other necessities.
  On August 29, 2015, St. John's Episcopal Church celebrated its 200th 
anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the historic stone church. 
Congratulations to Rev. McCone and all the parishioners of St. John's 
Episcopal Church. I wish you many more successful years ahead.

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