[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15567]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS CHURCH IN HONOR OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate 
Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, California, on the 
celebration of its 100th Anniversary. For a century, the leaders and 
parishioners of the Church have dedicated themselves to upholding their 
faith and bringing the San Fernando Valley community closer together. 
Originally known as the Van Nuys First Baptist Church, the Church began 
in 1912 in a railroad car in the town of Van Nuys, California, with 
less than 100 congregants. Under the direction of senior pastor Dr. 
Jess Moody, the congregation grew steadily, moving in 1991 to a new 
building in Porter Ranch, California, where it became known as Shepherd 
of the Hills Church. In 1995, the congregation merged with nearby 
Hillcrest Christian Church.
  Since its founding, Shepherd of the Hills Church has continued to 
explore new venues and opportunities for worship throughout the greater 
Los Angeles area. Today, the Church is a vibrant, diverse congregation 
of more than 12,000 members, four ``daughter'' churches, and two 
satellite campuses throughout Los Angeles County. Since 1999, Shepherd 
of the Hills Church has also hosted an annual 4th of July Fireworks 
Spectacular, which attracts over 50,000 residents of the San Fernando 
Valley. The annual celebration has brought our community together year 
after year.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate senior 
pastor Dudley Rutherford on this special occasion. Under the leadership 
of Pastor Rutherford, who is also celebrating his 25th Anniversary, the 
Church has seen its congregation and community outreach efforts 
continue to expand. Pastor Rutherford spearheaded the development of 
four self-sufficient satellite campuses within Los Angeles County, the 
opening of the Church's Family Life Center, and he helped to organize 
the ``Miracle in the Making'' Campaign to raise funds for a new church 
building. Known nationally for his dynamic leadership and communication 
skills, Pastor Rutherford served as president of the 2011 North 
American Christian Convention, and was the featured Chapel Speaker at 
the World Series.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to 
Shepherd of the Hills Church on its 100th Anniversary, and to Pastor 
Dudley Rutherford for his commitment, dedication and vision in helping 
this praiseworthy congregation carry out its mission of fellowship and 
community service throughout the San Fernando Valley.

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