[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PATERSON'S 170TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                            HON. HERB KLEIN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. KLEIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Baptist 
Church of Paterson, NJ on the distinguished occasion of its 170th 
anniversary celebration. A celebration mass, led by Dr. Paul Sandon, 
will be held on June 26, 1994.
  The First Baptist Church was officially established on January 1, 
1824 by a group of 17 people. The early meetings of the group were held 
in the homes of members and the temporary ``Yellow House,'' a former 
tavern. The church's first official home was erected at the corner of 
Main Street and Broadway in Paterson in 1825.
  Despite difficult times brought on by the Civil War, the church 
continued to surge in membership. In 1860, the second church building 
was created at Washington and Van Houten Streets, which seated over 800 
people. Although the church was devastated by the Great Fire of 1902, 
the spirits of the congregation were not destroyed as they continued to 
meet at temporary locations. On February 12, 1905, the current church 
building on Washington Street was completed.
  The First Baptist Church has been a leader for many community 
projects. The church members recognized the need beyond the limits of 
their building, and helped to organize new churches in the area. The 
Park Avenue Baptist Church and the Union Avenue Baptist Church are just 
two of the many successful products of these efforts. Through the 
years, the church has placed an emphasis on education, preparing 
several members for the ministry.
  The First Baptist Church has prospered through a diverse 170 year 
history. This perseverance is a testament to the determination and 
selflessness of the congregation. It is with great pleasure that I ask 
my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the First Baptist Church.

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