[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLTS NECK COMMUNITY CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2026

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Colts 
Neck Community Church (CNCC), a vibrant non-denominational Christian 
community in my central New Jersey congressional district, which will 
celebrate, 50 years of faith-filled fellowship on May 17, 2026, and 
worship in their church on Merchants Way.
  The church's history is notably defined by grassroots beginnings, 
compassionate volunteerism, ministry expansion--within and beyond Colts 
Neck--and steadfast humility and service in the image and likeness of 
Jesus Christ. This community pillar is a powerful beacon, with 
dedicated Christians working tirelessly to serve and bless Colts Neck, 
New Jersey, and the world.
  Founded by Don and Alma Stewart in the early 1970s, this vigorous 
home-based mission quickly outgrew the Stewart house and soon began to 
worship in nearby churches in Eatontown, Freehold, and Aberdeen. 
Immersed in scripture readings, inspiring music and Bible study, the 
congregants also wished, worked and prayed for a new physical structure 
to call their spiritual home.
  Their prayers were answered and their work paid off, as they 
ultimately purchased a 7.5-acre plot of land in the heart of Colts 
Neck. Under the inspiration and leadership of their first full-time 
pastor, Reverend John Lindsey, the construction was completed and 
dedicated in less than four months.
  Thanks in no small part to volunteer labor from congregants and 
neighboring churches, as well as assistance from Fort Monmouth 
chaplains and contributions from local residents, the CNCC at last had 
its own worship sanctuary, in which they could preach, praise God, 
spend time in fellowship and grow as a community. And grow, they did.
  In the 1980s and 1990s, Colts Neck Community Church, led by Pastor 
Darwin Bacon, expanded in attendance, membership, finances, and 
ministry scope. The church strengthened its community with fellowship 
meals and services. It also enhanced its mission works and outreach by 
establishing a church in Howell, New Jersey, supporting foreign 
missions with volunteer work and financial assistance, and initiating 
local ministries, like prison outreach and English as a Second Language 
(ESL) programs.
  After years of dedicated service to CNCC, Pastor Bacon became a full-
time missionary, and Dr. Philip J. Swanson then took the helm. Under 
Dr. Swanson's leadership, the church emphasized a vision of ``Back to 
the Basics--Into the Future,'' focusing on foundational ministries 
while preparing for future growth. This period saw the addition of a 
parsonage on church property and the Fellowship Hall, which houses a 
number of special events and programs.
  In 2005, then-pastor George Russ reemphasized local outreach, which 
enabled it to strengthen its service in Colts Neck. The church 
established day-long leadership conferences for local high school 
students, financial seminars during the economic downturn of 2007 to 
2008, fundraisers for the Fire Department and EMT services, and 
participation in community events, such as Colts Neck Day.
  The church also inspired its youth to serve the community's elderly 
with home-improvement volunteer work. In fact, in 2006, the CNCC became 
the first church in the Northeast to host its first of many World 
Changers programs. At World Changers, hundreds of teenagers and their 
sponsors come together every year to mow lawns, repair roofs, install 
wheelchair ramps and more in the local communities of Neptune and 
Freehold, New Jersey.
  Also in 2006, Pastor Chris Durkin, today's current pastor, was tapped 
to lead the congregation. With hundreds of member families, the church, 
under Pastor Durkin, continues its strong dedication to meeting the 
needs of the greater community. Members continue to provide fun, Bible-
based summer activities for children through their Vacation Bible 
School program, fall festival and their well-attended Christmastime 
living nativity. Additionally, they help support those dealing with 
loss by facilitating the Griefshare program.
  Similarly, CNCC members participate in disaster relief and serve 
local non-profits, such as Jersey Shore Rescue Mission and Solutions 
Pregnancy Center, showing true Christian love and providing critical 
support to those in need.
  Over the years, CNCC has continued to build upon the vision and 
commitment of its predecessors--sharing the Gospel with more people and 
expanding the reach of its ministries and services. Their powerful 
combination of faith and good works knows no bounds.
  On this joyous occasion of the CNCC's Golden Jubilee anniversary, I 
am honored to congratulate church leader, Pastor Chris Durkin and his 
wife, Melissa; my good friend and congregation President, the 
remarkably effective Glen Dalakian and his wonderful wife, Cyndi; and 
all the leaders and members of the Colts Neck Community Church.
  My wife, Marie, and I thank them for their Christ-inspired love and 
service for our community, and we pray that the church continues to 
grow, thrive and attend to the good people of Colts Neck and Monmouth 
County, New Jersey for generations to come.

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