[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
FIRST ANNUAL JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPSICOPAL 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 1994

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call your attention to 
the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal [AME] Church in Hammond, IN. The 
members of the Bethel AME Church celebrated their First Annual Jubilee 
Celebration on Sunday, May 29, 1994.
  The festivities were held in the evening at the church in Hammond to 
commemorate the accomplishments of the AME Church district-wide. The 
congregation united with members from the seven other AME parishes 
throughout Lake County, as well as with members representing AME 
parishes within the Fourth Episcopal District, which is comprised of 
congregations in Canada, Michigan, Northwest Indiana, and the Chicago, 
Illinois area.
  Bishop James Haskelo Mayo, presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal 
District, was honored as the keynote speaker for this event, and the 
Honorable Duane Dedelow, mayor of the city of Hammond, delivered the 
Proclamation for the First Annual Jubilee Celebration.
  Dr. Harry Watson, presiding minister over the Bethel AME Church in 
Hammond, since October, 1993, led the parishioners in giving thanks for 
Bethel AME Church's 74-year ministry. Those who attened the Jubilee 
Celebration spent the evening reflecting upon the accomplishments of 
the church, which were made possible through the faith and dedication 
of its leaders. A pillar in the community for services to its youth, 
the homeless, the needy, and the poor, Bethel AME remains the oldest 
African-American church in America.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in commending the 
accomplishments of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am 
truly honored to recognized this exceptional group of christians as 
members of Indian's First Congressional District, and I wish them the 
happiest of celebrations for the many years to come.

                          ____________________