[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SAINT JAMES' 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Episcopal 
Church of Saint James, located in Essex County, New Jersey, as it 
celebrates its 125th anniversary.
  The Episcopal Church of St. James began as a small, sixteen person 
group in 1887 lead by Reverend P.M. Bleecker. As the group grew, a 
Missionary Committee was established and, at the suggestion of the 
Bishop, the name ``St. James Church, Upper Montclair'' was adopted. 
Within that year, the congregation would grow to consist of 45 people. 
On December 12, 1888, the Bishop gave canonical permission to form a 
Parish in the Diocese of Newark. On December 27 of that same year, the 
Articles of Association were signed. The next day the articles were 
filed and the church became official.
  Around the same time, the church purchased the ``Cliffside Chapel'' 
from a nearby Presbyterian Church, which now serves as the cornerstone 
of the current church.
  In 1892, an Alter Guild was formed to attend to the clerical 
vestments and appointments of the alter. That same year, the Rood 
Screen was added to the Chancel, and gas was introduced for lighting. 
The first Vested Choir began in 1898, two members of which continued to 
sing for the church for over forty years.
  In 1902, the church organ was not functioning properly because the 
building lacked electricity. Later that year, a pipe organ was 
anonymously donated to replace it. Ten years later, the church ordered 
a new organ, which was so large they had to modify the roof to fit it.
  In 1941, the Willet Studios of Philadelphia began to commission the 
stained glass windows for the church. That same year, the church 
installed the Hildreth Meiere painting of James and John fishing over 
the alter. By 1956, the ``Windows of St. James'' were completed.
  Since the church was built, the congregation has significantly grown. 
So, the church has developed many programs and groups to help its 
members. These programs include Youth Groups, Bible Studies, Adult 
Education, as well as a pre-school.
  The church also participates in community service and outreach 
locally, nationally, and internationally. They work with many 
organizations to send their congregation, along with others who are 
interested, on missionary trips to various places in need of aid. 
Previous trips have been to Appalachia and New Orleans. The most recent 
trip was to the Jersey Shore to assist in the clean-up from Superstorm 
Sandy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Episcopal Church of St. James in celebrating its 125th anniversary.

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