[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING PHIL MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 19, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Phil 
Murphy for his more than four decades of dedicated service to the 
Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and to our St. Helena 
community.
  Mr. Murphy was born in San Francisco and graduated from San Mateo 
Junior College and San Francisco State University. After moving to our 
St. Helena community, Mr. Murphy joined the Native Sons of the Golden 
West Parlor 53 in 1983. The Native Sons of the Golden West, founded in 
1875, is one of California's oldest fraternal organizations and was 
established as a tribute to the men and women of the Gold Rush era. 
Today, the organization serves as a charitable organization supporting 
local communities throughout California. Mr. Murphy's commitment to 
this organization spans more than 40 years. In 1986, he assumed the 
role of Hall Manager for the Native Sons Hall on Spring Street, a 
position he has held for nearly four decades.
  As Hall Manager, Mr. Murphy has been the steadfast caretaker of the 
110-year-old historic landmark. Under his leadership, the Hall remained 
open, maintained, and accessible to the public. Thanks to his vigilance 
and hands-on stewardship, the Hall has continued to serve as one of St. 
Helena's most important gathering places, hosting weddings, funerals, 
community fundraisers, holiday celebrations, civic meetings, dances, 
and countless local events. Buildings of this age do not remain 
standing, let alone thrive, without the type of constant care Mr. 
Murphy has provided for decades.
  As President of Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and its 
long-serving Hall Manager, Mr. Murphy has been essential not only to 
the Hall's physical preservation but to the vitality of the 
organization itself. He has worked to keep membership strong through 
generational change, ensuring that new members feel welcomed, valued, 
and connected. His efforts have strengthened the organization's future 
while honoring its history.
  Mr. Murphy's leadership extends beyond the Hall. He has consistently 
authorized donations and offered support for local educational 
programs, civic projects, and fire department initiatives, reflecting 
his dedication to improving and supporting our St. Helena community. 
Mr. Murphy and his wife, Andy, have raised three children: Molly, Amy, 
and Darren.
  Mr. Speaker, for nearly 40 years, Phil Murphy has cared for this 
important community landmark. His stewardship has preserved local 
history, strengthened community ties, and served generations of St. 
Helena residents. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today 
for his extraordinary leadership, service, and devotion to the Native 
Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and to the people of St. Helena.

                          ____________________