[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20119]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 230TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROCKAWAY VALLEY UNITED METHODIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rockaway 
Valley United Methodist Church, located in Boonton Township, New 
Jersey, as it celebrates its 230th Anniversary.
  Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church has been an active part of 
the Boonton Township community since its founding in 1785. Through its 
weekly masses the church continues to foster religious life.
  The United Methodist Church got its beginnings in the United States 
in 1784. The church spread through ``circuit riders'' who traveled 
spreading the word of God, and caring for His people. In 1785 the 
Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church was built as a center of 
worship for this new religion. The current church was built in 1842 by 
members of the founding families. In 1894 a slate roof was added, and 
the cupola was added in 1895-1900. There are 12 stained glass windows 
dating back to 1900 which were donated in honor of the founding 
members. The church is surrounded by a cemetery which dates back to the 
building of the church. In 1976 the church building was added to the 
New Jersey Register of Historic Places, and in 1977 it was added to the 
National Register of Historic Places.
  The Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church has helped the United 
Methodist community celebrate and practice their beliefs. The church 
has also done much more for the community of Boonton Township. The 
church has served as a gathering place for the entire community. Boy 
Scouts of America Troop 69 has been using the church as a meeting place 
for 80 years. The church also plays host to a Christian drama school, 
and a weekly karate class. In 2014 the church donated over 400 pounds 
of food to the Interfaith Food Pantry. The Rockaway Valley United 
Methodist Church holds a weekly playgroup for children from birth to 
kindergarten along with their caregivers to foster a community among 
the small congregation.
  For Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church's 230th Anniversary, I 
commend all of the pastors and committees of the Church. Since its 
founding, Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church has been supported by 
the people of Boonton Township; this is one of the main reasons why the 
church is still a big part of the community. After 230 years of 
outstanding service to the Boonton Township, I commend and congratulate 
Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church for all of its hard work and 
dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Rockaway Valley United Methodist Church, as it celebrates its 230th 
Anniversary.

                          ____________________