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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E707-E708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FRANKLIN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
______
HON. JAMES COMER
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial
celebration of Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin,
Kentucky. Shortly after the town was surveyed in 1820, the Union Church
was established where Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists would all
hold services. Franklin First would go on to have an incredible two-
hundred-year history, producing numerous servant leaders and engaging
in missionary work that would spread beyond the 1st District. Members
of this church have proven to be steadfast leaders across the globe. In
1874, Mrs, Dorinda Duncan organized the first Children's
[[Page E708]]
Missionary Society in Kentucky, In 1887, Miss Nannie B. Gaines served
as a missionary in Hiroshima, Japan, going on to become the first
principal of the initial girls' school in Hiroshima. She laid the
foundation for the modern 21st century educational institution of
Hiroshima Jogakuin, which now encompasses kindergarten, junior high,
high school and university students. John T. Tigert was named Bishop
after obtaining his undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University,
where he was part of the university's inaugural graduating class. His
brilliant leadership moved the church forward in numerous ways. His
son, John J. Tigert, Jr., would continue his father's legacy of
leadership by becoming a Rhodes Scholar, College Football Hall of Fame
inductee and President of the University of Florida. To ensure the
future growth of the church, Doug Wilson planted the idea of building a
Christian Life Center that was completed in 1996. This building offered
after-school programs for children and helped to instill the values of
the church in the next generation. Franklin First has seen numerous
congregates go on to be ordained as Methodist ministers or serve as
local pastors. This track record of success demonstrates their desire
to spread the lessons they learned at Franklin First beyond just their
membership. The lessons they learned from Miss Nannie B. Gaines are
still seen in the church through their international missionary work.
The church routinely leads trips to Haiti and Honduras, and in 2020
they sponsored 41 educational scholarships for children from the
region. Franklin First also participates in numerous local missionary
projects through Room in the Inn and Good Samaritan, while also
organizing an annual Trunk or Treat event that provides a safe place
for local community children. Throughout the past 200 years, this
church has faithfully served Simpson County in numerous ways. I am
proud to recognize Franklin First United Methodist Church for the
incredible work they have done not only in their community and state,
but throughout the entire world.
____________________