[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROSE HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______


                         HON. HAROLD L. VOLKMER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. VOLKMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay homage to Rose Hill Baptist 
Church which has reached another milestone in its history, 100 years of 
service to God and its community. I join in celebrating the centennial 
of its founding which occurred three decades after the Emancipation 
Proclamation on land given to slaves and the sons and daughters of 
slaves.
  True to its motto, The church with a purpose, Rose Hill has stood as 
a bulwark in the community of Villa Ridge from the time its members 
trudged along dusty narrow trails to worship until today. The history 
of Rose Hill is inextricably linked to slavery in Missouri, and 
particularly in Franklin County where records show that 1,500 slaves 
were held. One of these slaves was an early officer of the church who 
despite being the victim of physical abuse and personal indignities at 
the hand of his owners, never faltered in his service to God. This 
pioneer leader and his Christian example is still closely tied to the 
church through decendants who are still members of the Rose Hill 
congregation today.
  Under the leadership of 13 pastors, the church has prospered and 
grown over the century. This growth and development is due in great 
measure to a nucleus of devoted and dedicated members who have given 
tirelessly of their time, energy, and money to carry out the church's 
mission of service to the community, fellowship, as well as, religious 
and spiritual guidance.
  The accomplishments of Rose Hill Baptist Church over a period of 100 
years are too numerous to mention. Strengthened by the past, guided by 
the future, and anchored to faith in God, Rose Hill Baptist Church will 
continue to be a monument to God and a testimony of what faith, hard 
work, and determination can do. For 100 years the membership of this 
church has made significant contributions to all areas of service to 
its community. What has been done will be overshadowed only by what 
will continue to be done in order to further God's work during the next 
100 years. I commend Rose Hill Baptist Church for their community 
efforts and longevity. I join with them in their celebration and hope 
they continue their efforts into the next century of service.

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