Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAINT REST BAPTIST CHURCH
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 6, 2019
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Saint Rest
Baptist Church in Fresno, California on the occasion of its 75th
anniversary. The church is a valuable part of the community and strives
to make West Fresno a better place for all residents.
The church began in 1944 when West Fresno was growing. Reverend A.W.
White organized and raised money to build the church. The first
services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Rogers. Reverend
White did not know it at the time, but he would be the first of a long
line of pastors of the Saint Rest Baptist Church.
Over the years, Saint Rest continued to grow. In its early days,
congregants met in a borrowed army surplus metal building. In 1948, the
congregation moved into a former retail storefront, before building its
first church in 1950.
Saint Rest was without a pastor for some time, but finally Reverend
Hudson Spencer Moore was named the seventh pastor of the congregation.
Over the next two decades, the church only continued to grow. As the
church expanded its programs and outreach, it was clear it was also
outgrowing its space. In 1978, church members constructed a new worship
facility.
The congregation of St. Rest have been greatly involved in their
community. Church pastors and members have instituted a number of
programs to benefit the community. This includes a food and clothing
ministry, house-to-house revival program, and marriage workshops. The
church also supports local nonprofits, such as the Poverello House and
the Fresno Rescue Mission. After being approved for 50l(c)(3) status,
Saint Rest established the Saint Rest Economic Development Corporation
to increase economic opportunities for the neighborhood and create a
stronger quality of life.
This church has had many leaders in its 75-year history, including
Reverend M.F. Clay who took leadership after Reverend White. Reverend
C.D. Davis started in 1946, then two years later, Reverend J.L. Hall
during the metal building being dismantled. The first printed Sunday
bulletin started in 1951 during Reverend Carter's leadership. Reverend
E.C. Johnson became pastor and under his leadership, the church's
mortgage was paid off. Reverend Hudson soon became head pastor and then
Reverend Riggins.
In 2006, Reverend Shane B. Scott became senior pastor and had the
church address renamed to 1550 E Rev. Chester Riggins. It was one of
the many successes that happened in his tenure for Saint Rest Baptist
Church. In 2013, Pastor DJ Criner became Senior Pastor and has traveled
throughout the United States to preach. His dedication to the community
continues to make a difference.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saint Rest
Baptist Church as it celebrates their 75th anniversary. I wish all of
the members of the congregation continued health, happiness and
prosperity.
____________________
