[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17451]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the 135th Anniversary of the North Presbyterian Church of Cleveland.
  This historic structure has a rich legacy of dedication to the 
community, and has focused on the needs of the poor and the homeless of 
our society. In the early years of the church, members united to form 
the Christian Endeavor Society, Mother's Clubs, and Children's daytime 
groups and Scouts. During the Great Depression, the church worked with 
Case School to provide a daily lunch for undernourished children.
  As in the past, there is still a need for services and assistance 
within our community, and the North Presbyterian Church continues to be 
a strong force in reaching out to others. The doors of the church are 
always open to help anyone in need. Active members of the North 
Presbyterian Church provide hot meals twice a week for the homeless, 
and for those residing in homeless shelters. Church leaders and members 
also provide grocery distributions, emergency food and clothing 
supplies. Additionally, church members have nurtured strong bonds with 
other civic and spiritual groups, and hold regular community meetings, 
including Alcoholics Anonymous--a group that has been meeting weekly at 
the church for the past fifty years.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, celebration and 
recognition of the leaders and members of the North Presbyterian 
Church, past and present, as they celebrate 135 years of caring, 
commitment and ministry to the people of Cleveland. Because of their 
selfless efforts in helping the less fortunate of our society, they 
have built not only a place of worship--they have built a haven and 
refuge, open to us all.

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