[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HILDALE PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2017

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hildale Park 
Presbyterian Church, located in the Township of Hanover, New Jersey, on 
the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. From humble beginnings, this 
church's birth from a hillside bungalow has grown to be a thriving 
religious center and school for the greater Morris County community, a 
bible-centered congregation.
  Hildale Park Presbyterian Church's history began in 1916 when Cedar 
Knolls transitioned from a summer destination to a town of permanent 
residency. At that time, residents needed to travel long distances for 
their religious services. This was an impetus for Mr. and Mrs. Horace 
Greenway and Mrs. Mathilda Pfeiffer to establish a Sunday school within 
the community. As a result, on April 17, 1917, the very first service 
was held in the Greenway bungalow. Soon after, on July 19, 1917, a 
meeting was held to elect the first Board of Trustees who renamed the 
chapel the Hildale Park Union Chapel.
  On August 11, 1918, Reverend Greenway officiated the first session 
and dedication was held in the newly erected chapel. As time passed, 
there was an apparent need for a sturdier structure that could 
withstand the frequent storms. With the advent of the 1955 Christmas 
Eve service, the dedication of a new sanctuary was held. The Church's 
aspiration to select a full-time minister was also met on July 13, 
1959, as Reverend Alan Loy McGinnis was moved into the newly built 
manse. With Reverend McGinnis at the helm, the church not only 
delivered religious services, but also held a Sunday school 
constituting 200 students. In fact, the church's altruism was 
demonstrated by its postponement of additions to the school building to 
instead pledge $10,000 to add a wing on to a hospital in Brazil.
  The Church continued to expand, as newly selected Reverend 
MacNaughton made it his ambition to build a Christian Education 
Building, and for the church to become more active in the local 
community. Reverend MacNaughton secured a Cable TV spot, in order to 
broadcast each Sunday service. This still continues to service the 
community profoundly. Reverend MacNaughton retired in 2012 after 
serving forty-one years, and was succeeded by Reverend Ross H. Lang, 
who is dedicated to continuing the traditions and promises of Hildale 
Park Presbyterian Church. To remain a thriving faith based 
organization, 100 years later, is a testament to the extraordinary 
efforts of Hildale Park Presbyterian Church, its members and Trustees.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Hildale Park Presbyterian Church on the occasion of its 
Centennial Anniversary.

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