[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17580-17581]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN 
                             WOODBRIDGE, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
160th Anniversary of Bethel United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, 
Virginia.
  In 1850, the community came together to erect Bethel United Methodist 
Church on property donated by Burr and Emsey Glasscock. Mr. Burr was 
one of the members of the first Board of County Supervisors of Prince 
William County, and he later served as a lay preacher at Bethel. 
Neighbors donated materials and labor to complete the structure that 
still stands today. The building has served as a Civil War hospital, 
community meeting place and sanctuary for Bethel United Methodist 
Church.
  The church family has grown and contracted over the years, but it has 
always maintained its mission of fellowship, service and outreach. 
Bethel members support or participate in a number of community 
organizations: Action in Community Through Service, Alcoholics 
Anonymous, Boy Scout Troop 1363, Cloverdale School, Cooperative Council 
of Ministries, Cub Scout Pack 1936, Greater Prince William Mentoring 
Ministry, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program, Marriage Encounter, 
Project Mend-a-House, Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Service, Turning 
Points and Volunteer Emergency Foster Care. This is a congregation that 
cares deeply about its surrounding community and takes an active role 
in strengthening its civic bonds.
  Revered Frederick L. Parish currently serves as the Senior Pastor at 
Bethel United Methodist Church. He has been with the Bethel family 
since 1974 and is a pillar of the Prince William faith community. He 
serves on the Board of Directors for the Didlake Foundation, an 
organization that helps individuals with physical and intellectual 
disabilities enrich their lives with education and employment 
opportunities. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Project 
Mend-a-House, where he helps the non-profit provide home rehabilitation 
or home access modifications to seniors and people with disabilities. 
Reverend Parish serves as a volunteer Chaplain at Potomac Hospital, is 
a member of the eastern Prince William Ministerial Association, and 
plays an active and valued role in a number of other community 
organizations.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
160th Anniversary of Bethel United Methodist Church. Bethel has a 
vibrant congregation dedicated to continuing the church's long 
tradition of service and worship. I wish Reverend Parish and his 
congregation the best as they celebrate their heritage and plan for a 
successful future.

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