[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ST. BONIFACE CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Boniface 
Catholic Church of Garner, Iowa, on celebrating their 125th anniversary 
as a congregation.
   The history of Catholicism in the Garner community dates back to the 
time neighboring priests of Charles City, Mason City, and Algona would 
come together once a month to celebrate Mass and administer the 
Sacraments in homes and in the public school. On December 21, 1883 the 
deed for the land, which was purchased for $100 in 1882, was recorded. 
Father Hanley was appointed pastor of Clarion, Hampton, and Garner and 
had the church erected. It was the first Catholic Church in Garner and 
Mass was celebrated in the church in August of 1883.
   In 1924, a purchase of two more lots gave St. Boniface ownership of 
the entire block and the rectory was moved to this location. In 1940, a 
new church was constructed for an estimated cost of $37,000. While 
growing as a congregation, St. Boniface Church saw many liturgical 
changes take place over the years but the community always came 
together and remained steadfast and united.
   St. Boniface Catholic Church is dedicated to benefitting the lives 
of those in Garner, and for this I offer my utmost congratulations and 
thanks on a prosperous history. It is an honor to represent all the 
parishioners of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the current pastor 
Reverend Henry Huber in the United States Congress, and I wish them 
continued success, grace, peace and celebration as a community.

                          ____________________