[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15981-15982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 300 ANNIVERSARY OF GREAT VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church in Tredyffrin 
Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania as they celebrate the Church's 
300th anniversary.
  Recognized as the second-oldest Presbyterian church in the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, services originally were held in

[[Page 15982]]

homes of various members. Rev. Malachi Jones delivered the first sermon 
in 1714 from a wooden pulpit inside the rough log cabin held together 
by iron nails forged on site and with windows made from imported glass.
  Organized more than 65 years before our nation declared its 
independence from Great Britain, Great Valley aided America's 
Revolutionary War effort by providing supplies to help troops encamped 
at nearby Valley Forge survive the brutal winter of 1777-1778.
  While the Church and the area surrounding it has evolved immeasurably 
since the days when farmers and their families worshiped in a ``little 
country church,'' the tremendous commitment to nurturing the spiritual 
growth of members and strengthening the bonds between neighbors and 
families has remained constant.
  A worship service to give thanks for 300 years of faith and service 
will conclude the Church's tercentennial celebration on Sunday, 
September 19, 2010.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in 
congratulating the Congregation of Great Valley Presbyterian Church as 
they commemorate this memorable milestone and in extending best wishes 
for continued success and growth.

                          ____________________