[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   IN HONOR OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Church of the 
Incarnation on its 90th anniversary, which will be celebrated on 
Sunday, December 10, 2000. Founded in 1910, the Church of the 
Incarnation is celebrating ninety years of faith in God and community.
  The Church of the Incarnation held its first service on January 8, 
1911, in a room rented from the Afro-American Women's Industrial Club 
for $6.00 a month. Although its beginnings were meager, its future 
would not be. Despite financial hardship, the congregation grew 
steadily, attracting members with the deepest faith and commitment.
  In June of 1928, the Church of the Incarnation held a groundbreaking 
ceremony for its new building. On December 24, 1928, the Church held 
its first service there.
  In 1971, the Church achieved ``Parish Status,'' and later established 
an award for the man and woman of the year. In order to become more 
involved in the community, the Church began to sponsor and implement 
community outreach programs and participated in community development 
projects, including after school and summer camp programs; the 
renovation of P.S. #18, which currently provides housing for low-income 
families; a ``Clothing Ministry'' for the poor; and a scholarship fund. 
``Resurrection House'' opened for occupancy in 1992. In addition, the 
Church established a Sunday school and a men's chorus and youth choir, 
as well as a newsletter entitled ``Good News.''
  The Church of the Incarnation merged with St. Mathew's and St. 
Stevens in 1997. Today, the three churches together are St. Augustine. 
A new church and community center will be completed in December 2001.
  Ninety years after its founding, the Church of the Incarnation 
proudly celebrates its history--a history that is a testament to the 
congregation's enduring faith and extraordinary commitment to God and 
community.
  Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 90th 
anniversary of the Church of the Incarnation. This congregation's faith 
is a wonderful example for everyone.

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