July 10, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 115 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREENTREE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

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                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 2019

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
150th anniversary of Greentree Christian Church (GCC)--in Rolla, 
Missouri. The church has grown from a few to 2,000 members over the 
course of its existence. It is a rare occasion for a church to reach 
its sesquicentennial milestone and can only happen when a church is 
unfaltering in carrying out God's work.
   Although it was not yet called GCC, this church took root in 1869, 
the same year President Ulysses S. Grant took office, and was located 
on the farmland of Harvey and Charles Drennon near Blues Lake. These 
men, along with ``Aunt Fanny'' were the first members of the church. 
Over the next 132 years, the church, later known as First Christian 
Church, met in several locations, most notably at the corner of 8th and 
Main, which housed the services for the better part of its history. 
During this time, the building was twice destroyed by fire and once by 
tornado. Despite this, the church persevered, rebuilding after each 
crisis and continuing to grow.
   In 1991, the church built a facility at 10th and Greentree Road that 
housed Greentree Learning and Childcare Center. A decade later, 
construction was completed on a large expansion of that facility, and 
the congregation began meeting in what is now the church gymnasium. In 
2011, after another large expansion, the church began meeting in the 
sanctuary, where it meets today, and was renamed Greentree Christian 
Church.
   Over the years, this church has seen many pastors come and go. 
Current Senior Minister Tim Cook has been there since 1982 and is 
retiring this June. It seems fitting that the church's longest-serving 
minister would get to witness this rare milestone. Mr. Cook, I 
congratulate you on your upcoming retirement and thank you and the 
members of your congregation for your service to GCC, the Rolla 
Community, and the whole church body at large. It is my honor to 
acknowledge this historic birthday today before the United States House 
of Representatives.

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