October 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 172 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MOUNT VERNON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 80TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, today I recognize one of the great 
religious institutions in New York's 16th Congressional District, the 
Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church, which this year is 
celebrating its 80th year of ministry in the community.
  The Mount Vernon Church's journey began in the Fall of 1932 when 
Thaddeus Wilson, Sr., a layman and local elder of the New Rochelle 
S.D.A. Church, purchased two thousand Present Truth tracts in hope of 
starting a bible study. A weekly Bible study class began in a private 
home at the corner of East Third Street and South Seventh Avenue. In 
less than a month the interest and attendance had grown so much that 
two adjoining rooms had to be used to accommodate the people. From 
there, the gatherings grew, to tented meetings whose patrons later 
formed the nucleus of the Mount Vernon Mission. The Mission's first 
home was in a loft at 3 West Third Street, at the comer of West Third 
Street and South Fourth Avenue.
  In 1939, the mission was organized into a church. This was a 
milestone in the history of the Mount Vernon Church. In 1942, a drive 
was started to raise funds to purchase a lot on South Fifth Avenue and 
by the 1950's the church building was complete. Over the years it 
became apparent that the building had become too small for its growing 
membership, and a new place was sought. The present edifice located at 
230 South Columbus Avenue was purchased and a grand reopening came in 
1975.
  As the church grew it continued to welcome many new individuals into 
the church. It also expanded its youth programming and community 
outreach. The Mount Vernon Church is also responsible for starting two 
daughter churches.
  The Mount Vernon Church has a remarkable history and an equally 
wonderful legacy in this community and beyond. I want to congratulate 
the entire congregation and church leadership for 80 incredible years.

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