On 2026-06-03, Representative Scott Perry (R-PA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE BLESSED OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House.
RECOGNIZING GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE BLESSED OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E516] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE BLESSED OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. SCOTT PERRY of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Good Shepherd Catholic Church on the blessed occasion of its 75th Anniversary. Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, was founded on May 28, 1951, to help serve the rapidly growing Catholic population on the West Shore of Harrisburg. Sunday Masses began on June 10, 1951, at the Camp Hill Theatre, and were supplemented in the auditorium of Trinity High School as the first pastor, Father Simpson, was called to find a home for his flock. The pioneer spirit was not lacking. Given the challenges of humble beginnings, land was purchased on Market Street between 34th and 35th Streets by the Diocese of Harrisburg, and the growing parish worked vigorously to raise funds to build a church and school at the site. In July 1952, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at 34th and Market for the Good Shepherd Church and school. The attached school of four classrooms was opened September 1, 1953, with 121 students. The first Mass was celebrated by Bishop George Leech on the day of the church's dedication, September 13, 1953. As the Catholic community expanded through the 1950s and 1960s, additions and modifications to the school part of the Market Street campus were made to accommodate. Sunday Masses were held in the standing room only, even with an overflow to the school hall and additional Masses at Trinity High School auditorium. The need for a larger church was evident, and a 7.6-acre site was purchased 25 years after Good Shepherd's doors first opened. On September 11, 1977, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Trindle Road for the construction of the new church--with a seating capacity of 1,100, an all-purpose room to function as a gathering and meeting space, an adrninistrative wing, and a new rectory. Construction was completed in the summer of 1978, and the church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Daley on November 5, 1978. Beyond physical changes over time, the strength of the faith, determination, and dedication to the one Good Shepherd remains steadfast as the House of God, built with care and love. It continues its legacy with grace and gratitude for what was accomplished, and what yet remains to be done. The legacy of Good Shepherd Church, 75 years later, provides its faith family deep, strong roots that continue to flourish--with a membership of more than 1,750 families who serve God and our community with charity and fidelity. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I am humbled and honored to congratulate the Good Shepherd Parish on this auspicious and blessed occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The church family's contributions to our communities-- spiritual, charitable, educational, and social--are immeasurable, and I pray for God's continued blessings on their continued call to serve and honor Him. ____________________