[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

            125TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHURCHS FERRY, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to honor a community 
in North Dakota that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On June 
27 through June 29, the residents of Churchs Ferry celebrated their 
community's history and founding.
  This Great Northern Rail Road town site was founded in 1886 and named 
for the ferry service operated by Irvine A. Church. Mr. Church moved 
his Church post office to the town on November 13, 1886, adopting the 
new name. To conform to new government spelling regulations the name 
was changed to Churchs Ferry on November 30, 1894.
  Although its population is small, Churchs Ferry serves as a testament 
to hard work and determination. Even after a Federal buyout in 2000 
relocated many residents of Churchs Ferry from the rising flood waters 
of Devils Lake, some residents remained. These 10 residents have 
persevered and worked extremely hard to keep Churchs Ferry alive. Paul 
Christenson is the mayor, mechanic, and mower of the community's 30 
acres of grass and takes great pride in keeping Churchs Ferry 
beautiful. Two new businesses have opened, including Gardendwellers 
Farm, which grows custom crops for wineries and restaurants and offers 
horticulture tours and workshops, and Water's Edge Dog Boarding kennel.
  Visitors who pass through Churchs Ferry still see that the street 
signs are up and can drive by city hall, the post office, Kat's Korral 
bar, Paul's Repair shop, the Zion Lutheran Church, a museum, the 
Masonic Temple and the former school's gym/kitchen/stage addition that 
was purchased by the school's alumni association. The 125th anniversary 
celebration started off Friday, June 27, with a 1-mile walk and 
concluded on Sunday with a polka church service.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Churchs 
Ferry, ND, and its residents on their 125th anniversary and in wishing 
them well in the future. By honoring Churchs Ferry and all the other 
historic small towns of ND, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit 
alive for future generations. It is places such as Churchs Ferry that 
have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this 
community is deserving of our recognition.

                          ____________________