Recognizing the 165th Anniversary of ``The Old Cathedral,'' Ss. Peter Paul Catholic Church, in Alton, Illinois

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 165th anniversary of ``The Old Cathedral,'' SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, in Alton, Illinois. The church, completed in 1857, remains a beautiful example of Gothic architecture in the Metro East region. On January 9, 1857, the Diocese Episcopal See was transferred to Alton from Quincy, and the Most Reverend Henry Damien Junker became Alton's first bishop. The Most Reverend Peter Baltes succeeded him in 1870, followed by the third and final Bishop of Alton, the Most Reverend James Ryan, in 1886. Below the church are the tombs of the first two bishops of the Diocese of Alton. During its life as the Diocese Cathedral, our country was torn apart at the seams by Civil War, was reunited, and then grew into a global power. We celebrated the St. Louis World's Fair, saw our dirt roads paved over, and had our lives changed by revolutionary inventions. In 2015, the SS. Peter & Paul Parish had a beautiful carillon installed in the bell tower to beckon all to come and worship. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 165th anniversary of ``The Old Cathedral,'' SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and celebrating its many contributions to Alton and the surrounding communities.

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