[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RITCHIE TORRES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a 
remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of the Community Church of 
Morrisania in the Bronx.
  Founded in 1956 by the Reverend William E. Thompson, the Community 
Church of Morrisania became the first African American church in the 
neighborhood and has stood for generations as a beacon of faith, hope, 
and service. Reverend Thompson's legacy is forever etched into the 
Bronx, with Teller Avenue between East 169th and East 170th Streets 
proudly renamed Rev. Wm. E. Thompson Way in his honor.
  For seventy years, this non-denominational congregation has done far 
more than open its doors on Sundays. It has uplifted families, 
empowered young people, comforted seniors, and strengthened the fabric 
of Morrisania through unwavering service to the community.
  In 2000, Reverend Thompson entrusted Pastor Starling Churn with 
carrying forward this sacred mission. Under Pastor Churn's leadership, 
the church has continued to be a pillar of compassion, unity, and 
spiritual guidance for the Bronx.
  Today, we honor not only a church, but a living institution whose 
impact reaches far beyond its walls. I congratulate the Community 
Church of Morrisania on seventy extraordinary years of ministry and 
community leadership.
  May God continue to bless the Community Church of Morrisania and the 
people it serves.

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