Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-12

CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA

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On 2026-05-12, Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA" in the House.

Full Text

CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E434] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of the Community Church of Morrisania in the Bronx. Founded in 1956 by the Reverend William E. Thompson, the Community Church of Morrisania became the first African American church in the neighborhood and has stood for generations as a beacon of faith, hope, and service. Reverend Thompson's legacy is forever etched into the Bronx, with Teller Avenue between East 169th and East 170th Streets proudly renamed Rev. Wm. E. Thompson Way in his honor. For seventy years, this non-denominational congregation has done far more than open its doors on Sundays. It has uplifted families, empowered young people, comforted seniors, and strengthened the fabric of Morrisania through unwavering service to the community. In 2000, Reverend Thompson entrusted Pastor Starling Churn with carrying forward this sacred mission. Under Pastor Churn's leadership, the church has continued to be a pillar of compassion, unity, and spiritual guidance for the Bronx. Today, we honor not only a church, but a living institution whose impact reaches far beyond its walls. I congratulate the Community Church of Morrisania on seventy extraordinary years of ministry and community leadership. May God continue to bless the Community Church of Morrisania and the people it serves. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E434] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF MORRISANIA ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of the Community Church of Morrisania in the Bronx. Founded in 1956 by the Reverend William E. Thompson, the Community Church of Morrisania became the first African American church in the neighborhood and has stood for generations as a beacon of faith, hope, and service. Reverend Thompson's legacy is forever etched into the Bronx, with Teller Avenue between East 169th and East 170th Streets proudly renamed Rev. Wm. E. Thompson Way in his honor. For seventy years, this non-denominational congregation has done far more than open its doors on Sundays. It has uplifted families, empowered young people, comforted seniors, and strengthened the fabric of Morrisania through unwavering service to the community. In 2000, Reverend Thompson entrusted Pastor Starling Churn with carrying forward this sacred mission. Under Pastor Churn's leadership, the church has continued to be a pillar of compassion, unity, and spiritual guidance for the Bronx. Today, we honor not only a church, but a living institution whose impact reaches far beyond its walls. I congratulate the Community Church of Morrisania on seventy extraordinary years of ministry and community leadership. May God continue to bless the Community Church of Morrisania and the people it serves. ____________________