[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 150 (Monday, September 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 19, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
125th anniversary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. As the only 
Parish that serves the Old First Ward of Buffalo, this congregation has 
been a cornerstone of Buffalo for well over a century. In honor of this 
milestone, I wish to recognize all that the church has done to enrich 
countless Buffalo residents.
  Established on March 25, 1897, during the ``Feast of Annunciation,'' 
Bishop James E. Quigley led its creation. Carving out portions of the 
St. Brigid and St. Stephen parishes, the Bishop began recruiting 
families to his own congregation. Along with Father O'Connell, who was 
chosen to be the first leader of the parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help 
succeeded in incorporating over 800 families to the new congregation.
  Father O'Connell spearheaded the effort to develop the church, 
obtaining the land where the rectory and church now stand using funds 
donated to him by the JJ Glenny Estate. In collaboration with the 
Lansing and Beiri firm to design the church, Father O'Connell brought 
gothic styles popular during the Middle Ages to his parish with 
vertically pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and floral design that can 
still be seen today.
  The parish celebrated its first Mass on July 11, 1897, under the 
leadership of Father O'Connell. A few months later, the church opened 
its doors to students for Sunday school with a class size of 46 boys 
and 41 girls. In 1909, the church acquired a three-story brick 
schoolhouse in honor of Father O'Connell who had passed a few years 
prior. The street the parish now stands on was also later renamed after 
him in honor of all he had done for his congregation. The school closed 
its doors in 1971 after over 2,900 students received an education.
  Our Lady of Perpetual Help is currently led by Father Paul Seil who 
continues to be a beloved public figure. Since joining the parish, 
Father Seil has led numerous restoration efforts at the churches as 
well as increasing the Church's social media presence to allow for 
congregation members to stay connected. With a large hall, four meeting 
rooms, a stage, and a kitchen in the building's basement, Our Lady 
hosts a myriad of activities to strengthen community ties. The Church 
also encourages youth organizations by sponsoring Boy Scout and Girl 
Scout troops .
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the contributions Our Lady 
of Perpetual Help has made to our community for the past 125 years.

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