CELEBRATING THE 174TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAWFORD MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

On 2026-08-31, Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 174TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAWFORD MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE 174TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAWFORD MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E825-E826] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 174TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRAWFORD MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ______ HON. RITCHIE TORRES of new york in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. TORRES of New York. I rise today to honor and celebrate 174 years of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church--a remarkable institution that has stood as a beacon of faith, fellowship, service, and community in the Bronx for nearly two centuries. The church's roots reach deep into the history of the Bronx. Its story includes a congregation that moved to the neighborhood in the late nineteenth century, and a community that grew and evolved alongside it. The church was later named in honor of Francis Crawford, a dedicated layman who moved into the neighborhood in 1877 and served as superintendent of the Sunday School and president of the Board of Trustees. Following a devastating fire, the Crawford family demonstrated extraordinary kindness when they gave generously to rebuild the church. The church endured another devastating fire in the winter of 1974, when flames engulfed the front of the sanctuary and damaged the organ. Yet even in the face of destruction, the spirit of the congregation was not extinguished. The church rebuilt. It persevered. And it continued its mission. That spirit of perseverance is captured beautifully in the words that stood on the only remaining Church wall: ``GOD IS LOVE.'' The church's history also reflects the changing face of the Bronx. As the surrounding community changed, so too did the congregation. The church experienced a significant [[Page E826]] transition from a predominantly white congregation to a predominantly black congregation, growing under the leadership of successive pastors and generations of committed members. During that transition, the women of Crawford Memorial played an especially important role in preserving and strengthening the life of the church. Women including Mrs. Manzelle Orange, Mrs. Gladys Brewster, Miss Harriet Brewster, Mrs. Marie Allen, Miss Ruth Womsley, and Ms. Roseann Chapman helped sustain cherished traditions and keep the doors of Crawford open. Through the Women's Auxiliary and other ministries, they organized events, supported the church's work, and helped ensure that Crawford remained a place where faith was lived through service. The church's commitment to service has continued across generations. Crawford Memorial has nurtured young people through youth fellowship and dance ministries. It has supported seniors. It has maintained a vibrant music ministry, including choirs and the Faith-Hope Ensemble. Their work extends outside of the Church's walls through their Service Guild, dramatics stage, and space for community meetings. It has welcomed people of different cultures and educational backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to God's work. Today, Crawford Memorial continues its journey under the leadership of its 50th pastor, Reverend Heidi N. Thomas. Fifty pastors. Generations of families. Countless prayers. Countless acts of service. Countless lives touched. That is the legacy we celebrate today. ____________________