[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL'S CENTENNIAL

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                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Nicholas Greek 
Orthodox Cathedral and the occasion of their centennial celebration.
  In 1916, Greek immigrants arriving to the Lehigh Valley integrated 
themselves into the fabric of American life through employment in many 
industries, including Bethlehem Steel and other local businesses. At 
the same time, these early immigrants recognized a need to preserve 
their religion, language, and customs. Accordingly, they purchased the 
former St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Bethlehem and established their 
own church. By the 1930s, their community was growing, and families 
began to settle permanently in the area.
  While World War II disrupted the lives of many families within the 
congregation, its young members returned home upon its resolution to 
enter the workforce in professions such as teachers, engineers, 
doctors, lawyers, or within their family businesses. Due to this 
successful growth, the community realized that it would need a larger 
place of worship to accommodate their expanding families.
  In 1962, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral moved to its new 
location at 1607 West Union Boulevard in Bethlehem where it remains to 
this day. With this move, the congregation also constructed a new 
school and auditorium. Continued growth through the 1990s necessitated 
the hiring of a second full time priest to meet the needs of their 
members. Today, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral continues to 
embrace the surrounding community through Greek food festivals, 
picnics, and other exciting events.
  As St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral reflects upon its impressive 
accomplishments of the last century, I wish them all the best as they 
look forward to serving their community in the years to come.

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