[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE BLESSED OCCASION OF 
                          ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Good Shepherd Catholic 
Church on the blessed occasion of its 75th Anniversary.
  Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was founded on May 
28, 1951, to help serve the rapidly growing Catholic population on the 
West Shore of Harrisburg. Sunday Masses began on June 10, 1951, at the 
Camp Hill Theatre, and were supplemented in the auditorium of Trinity 
High School as the first pastor, Father Simpson, was called to find a 
home for his flock. The pioneer spirit was not lacking.
  Given the challenges of humble beginnings, land was purchased on 
Market Street between 34th and 35th Streets by the Diocese of 
Harrisburg, and the growing parish worked vigorously to raise funds to 
build a church and school at the site. In July 1952, a groundbreaking 
ceremony was held at 34th and Market for the Good Shepherd Church and 
school. The attached school of four classrooms was opened September 1, 
1953, with 121 students. The first Mass was celebrated by Bishop George 
Leech on the day of the church's dedication, September 13, 1953.
  As the Catholic community expanded through the 1950s and 1960s, 
additions and modifications to the school part of the Market Street 
campus were made to accommodate. Sunday Masses were held in the 
standing room only, even with an overflow to the school hall and 
additional Masses at Trinity High School auditorium. The need for a 
larger church was evident, and a 7.6-acre site was purchased 25 years 
after Good Shepherd's doors first opened.
  On September 11, 1977, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Trindle 
Road for the construction of the new church--with a seating capacity of 
1,100, an all-purpose room to function as a gathering and meeting 
space, an adrninistrative wing, and a new rectory. Construction was 
completed in the summer of 1978, and the church was dedicated by Bishop 
Joseph Daley on November 5, 1978.
  Beyond physical changes over time, the strength of the faith, 
determination, and dedication to the one Good Shepherd remains 
steadfast as the House of God, built with care and love. It continues 
its legacy with grace and gratitude for what was accomplished, and what 
yet remains to be done.
  The legacy of Good Shepherd Church, 75 years later, provides its 
faith family deep, strong roots that continue to flourish--with a 
membership of more than 1,750 families who serve God and our community 
with charity and fidelity.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania, I am humbled and honored to congratulate the Good 
Shepherd Parish on this auspicious and blessed occasion of its 75th 
Anniversary. The church family's contributions to our communities--
spiritual, charitable, educational, and social--are immeasurable, and I 
pray for God's continued blessings on their continued call to serve and 
honor Him.

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