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CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLTS NECK COMMUNITY CHURCH

Speaker
S000522
Subject
S000522
Source
Congressional Record · original
Published
Thursday, May 14, 2026

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E451] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLTS NECK COMMUNITY CHURCH ______ HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Colts Neck Community Church (CNCC), a vibrant non-denominational Christian community in my central New Jersey congressional district, which will celebrate, 50 years of faith-filled fellowship on May 17, 2026, and worship in their church on Merchants Way. The church's history is notably defined by gra…

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E451] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COLTS NECK COMMUNITY CHURCH ______ HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Colts Neck Community Church (CNCC), a vibrant non-denominational Christian community in my central New Jersey congressional district, which will celebrate, 50 years of faith-filled fellowship on May 17, 2026, and worship in their church on Merchants Way. The church's history is notably defined by grassroots beginnings, compassionate volunteerism, ministry expansion--within and beyond Colts Neck--and steadfast humility and service in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. This community pillar is a powerful beacon, with dedicated Christians working tirelessly to serve and bless Colts Neck, New Jersey, and the world. Founded by Don and Alma Stewart in the early 1970s, this vigorous home-based mission quickly outgrew the Stewart house and soon began to worship in nearby churches in Eatontown, Freehold, and Aberdeen. Immersed in scripture readings, inspiring music and Bible study, the congregants also wished, worked and prayed for a new physical structure to call their spiritual home. Their prayers were answered and their work paid off, as they ultimately purchased a 7.5-acre plot of land in the heart of Colts Neck. Under the inspiration and leadership of their first full-time pastor, Reverend John Lindsey, the construction was completed and dedicated in less than four months. Thanks in no small part to volunteer labor from congregants and neighboring churches, as well as assistance from Fort Monmouth chaplains and contributions from local residents, the CNCC at last had its own worship sanctuary, in which they could preach, praise God, spend time in fellowship and grow as a community. And grow, they did. In the 1980s and 1990s, Colts Neck Community Church, led by Pastor Darwin Bacon, expanded in attendance, membership, finances, and ministry scope. The church strengthened its community with fellowship meals and services. It also enhanced its mission works and outreach by establishing a church in Howell, New Jersey, supporting foreign missions with volunteer work and financial assistance, and initiating local ministries, like prison outreach and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. After years of dedicated service to CNCC, Pastor Bacon became a full- time missionary, and Dr. Philip J. Swanson then took the helm. Under Dr. Swanson's leadership, the church emphasized a vision of ``Back to the Basics--Into the Future,'' focusing on foundational ministries while preparing for future growth. This period saw the addition of a parsonage on church property and the Fellowship Hall, which houses a number of special events and programs. In 2005, then-pastor George Russ reemphasized local outreach, which enabled it to strengthen its service in Colts Neck. The church established day-long leadership conferences for local high school students, financial seminars during the economic downturn of 2007 to 2008, fundraisers for the Fire Department and EMT services, and participation in community events, such as Colts Neck Day. The church also inspired its youth to serve the community's elderly with home-improvement volunteer work. In fact, in 2006, the CNCC became the first church in the Northeast to host its first of many World Changers programs. At World Changers, hundreds of teenagers and their sponsors come together every year to mow lawns, repair roofs, install wheelchair ramps and more in the local communities of Neptune and Freehold, New Jersey. Also in 2006, Pastor Chris Durkin, today's current pastor, was tapped to lead the congregation. With hundreds of member families, the church, under Pastor Durkin, continues its strong dedication to meeting the needs of the greater community. Members continue to provide fun, Bible- based summer activities for children through their Vacation Bible School program, fall festival and their well-attended Christmastime living nativity. Additionally, they help support those dealing with loss by facilitating the Griefshare program. Similarly, CNCC members participate in disaster relief and serve local non-profits, such as Jersey Shore Rescue Mission and Solutions Pregnancy Center, showing true Christian love and providing critical support to those in need. Over the years, CNCC has continued to build upon the vision and commitment of its predecessors--sharing the Gospel with more people and expanding the reach of its ministries and services. Their powerful combination of faith and good works knows no bounds. On this joyous occasion of the CNCC's Golden Jubilee anniversary, I am honored to congratulate church leader, Pastor Chris Durkin and his wife, Melissa; my good friend and congregation President, the remarkably effective Glen Dalakian and his wonderful wife, Cyndi; and all the leaders and members of the Colts Neck Community Church. My wife, Marie, and I thank them for their Christ-inspired love and service for our community, and we pray that the church continues to grow, thrive and attend to the good people of Colts Neck and Monmouth County, New Jersey for generations to come. ____________________

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