[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 195 (Friday, December 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH AND 
                                 PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 6, 2019

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 150th 
Anniversary of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Parish in New Waverly, 
Texas.
  St. Joseph Catholic Church, now a celebrated place of worship, first 
began as a small gathering for planter families who formed the Waverly 
Emigration Society. In 1869, Father Orzechowski officially formed the 
Parish of St. Joseph. The parish met at various farms until 1877 when 
they opened the first church--a small box building only 20 by 30 feet. 
The land they built the church and school upon was acquired for the 
modest price of one dollar.
  In 1892, as the parish expanded, a second building was constructed to 
make room for the growing congregation. This building, designed by Tom 
Lawandorski, was much larger and more ornate than the first. Mrs. 
Catherine Ripowski donated trees from her property to aid with 
construction.
  The longest serving priest was the adored Father Bily, whose tenure 
lasted 19 years. Under his leadership, the church still in use today 
was built. The gothic style building was designed by architect L.S. 
Green and took three years to finish. At its opening, it was deemed the 
finest church in the South. In 1909, four years after the opening of 
the third church building, St. Joseph's school was built on the 
property for 160 students.
  Since its opening, the church has been restored and repaired, but the 
welcoming community atmosphere and the parishioners' enthusiasm for 
worship has remained constant for the last 150 years.
  As St. Joseph's Catholic Church celebrates a century and a half of 
worship, I thank them for creating a welcoming space dedicated to 
bringing people together to worship The Lord. Congratulations on 150 
years, and may the next be just as prosperous.

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