HONORING THE MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 130TH ANNIVERSARY; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 82
(Extensions of Remarks - May 16, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E608-E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 130TH
ANNIVERSARY
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today
to join the congregation of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Ansonia,
Connecticut in extending my heartfelt congratulations on the
celebration of their 130th Anniversary. Throughout its history, the
Church and its congregation have demonstrated a unique commitment to
serve the community and ensure that the most vulnerable of our citizens
could find comfort and resources in their time of need.
In 1889, with the help of local businessman Franklin Farrel, a group
of local African-American residents banded together to organize and
incorporate a mission which would soon become the Macedonia Baptist
Church. In addition to helping the group organize and incorporate the
mission, the Farrel family donated a beautiful stained glass window,
which remains even today, as well as the bell for the belfry. Over the
course of the last one hundred thirty years, the Macedonia Baptist
Church has strengthened the bonds of faith and friendship and has
become an iconic fixture in the community.
From its first Pastor, the Reverend Edward Johnson, who traveled from
Yonkers and was so beloved that parishioners of all ages would meet him
at the train station to escort him to church, to the Reverend Julian
Taylor who served the ministry for more than four decades; and from the
Reverend V. Loma St. Clair who expanded the reach of the Macedonia
Baptist Church across the community, to today's leadership of Pastor
Alfred Lee Smith, Jr., the spiritual guidance that has led the
congregation over time has not only provided parishioners with
nourishment of the soul but encouraged them to make a difference in the
community as well.
The Macedonia Baptist Church has not only been a center for religious
worship, but a vehicle through which their members could give
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back to the community. Our churches play a vital role in our
communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when
they are most in need. The Macedonia Baptist Church gives its members a
place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their
values. For one hundred thirty years, the Macedonia Baptist Church has
been a fixture in our community. Through their ministry and outreach
efforts, they have left an indelible mark on our community and continue
to make a difference in the lives of others. I am proud to stand today
and extend my very best wishes to them as they mark this milestone in
their history. Happy 130th Anniversary.
____________________