[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a small 
church that has celebrated 100 years of service to the community of 
Craig, Colorado.
  The entire town of Craig was invited to help celebrate the 100th 
birthday of the First Congregational Church on January 2, 2000. It was 
a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future as Reverend Edwin 
Mendanhall delivered an inspirational message to the congregation. The 
church was founded by a group of 16 people in 1900. Within just a few 
months, the church had found a pastor and was chartered with 29 
parishioners. Generous gifts from members of the church contributed to 
the purchase of a new bell in 1904 and it is still used today. A new 
facility was built and put to use in 1959.
  The First Congregational Church is affiliated with the Rocky Mountain 
United Church of Christ Conference. As part of the centennial 
celebration the church will host the conference's annual meeting in 
June of 2000.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to offer this tribute 
in honor of the centennial celebration of the First Congregational 
Church and in recognition of its members.

                          ____________________