[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5876]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF 
                               CRESTMONT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the First Baptist Church of Crestmont on its momentous 100th 
Anniversary. Just north of Philadelphia, First Baptist Church of 
Crestmont was the very first church to be established in the town of 
Crestmont over a century ago.
  The congregation that founded the First Baptist Church of Crestmont 
originally met in the homes of two of its members. The group was 
formally organized into a Baptist church in October of 1910. Determined 
to build a meeting place for their new congregation, the members of the 
church worked together to begin digging the foundation with their own 
hands. Neighborhood children assisted with fundraising by performing 
concerts and organizing social events. In the early 1920's, the 
congregation developed plans to construct a new building for their 
church, which was a fortunate decision as the original building was 
destroyed in a fire shortly before the new church was completed. This 
new building housed the congregation for decades before construction 
began on an updated building.
  As the congregation continued to grow, transitioning from one pastor 
to the next, the commitment to community was passed down from 
generation to generation. In 2008 the sanctuary was once again 
destroyed by a fire. The First Baptist Church of Crestmont turned to 
their neighbors for support as they worked to repair their church. Last 
September the congregation returned to worship in their newly renovated 
edifice and fellowship hall.
  For decades, this community has provided a place for generations of 
children and adults alike to learn and worship together. The 
congregation has overcome great hardships over the past 100 years and 
has emerged even stronger. Although First Baptist is a small assembly, 
it has served as a significant, steadfast source of spiritual 
sustenance for its people while remaining committed to working hand in 
hand with the community to create a positive environment in which to 
raise our children and keep our seniors safe.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating First 
Baptist Church of Crestmont's 100th anniversary milestone and wishing 
the congregation many more years of community enrichment and service.

                          ____________________