[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF 
                         OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 2016

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 350th 
Anniversary of The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme and to thank 
its generations of members for their community building efforts over 
the past three and a half centuries.
  The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme was founded in 1666 in 
Old Lyme, Connecticut, fifteen years after the Mayflower arrived in 
North America and has maintained its place as a facet of early American 
history. Since its founding, the church has been a pioneer in its faith 
and continues to contribute to the rich history of our region. Its 
congregation has included many notable Americans including the Noyes, 
who were original trustees of Yale University, and Samuel Holden 
Parsons, who led his regiment in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the 
American Revolution. Over the decades the church dealt with disaster 
and growth, and the church meetinghouse was rebuilt many times. The 
current meetinghouse is a landmark and an icon in the region and has 
served as inspiration for many artists from the area.
  Today, The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme has grown to 
include almost a thousand members in its congregation. These members 
participate in efforts all over the world to improve the lives of 
others. From local Habitat to Humanity efforts, to establishing 
partnerships with churches in South Africa, to building interfaith 
relationships in southeastern Connecticut, the First Church of Old Lyme 
has built a legacy of service and community that will continue for many 
decades to come.
  I ask my colleagues to please join me in wishing the First 
Congregational Church of Old Lyme a joyous celebration of their 350th 
Anniversary.

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