[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E611-E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING LITTLE UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 15, 1995

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
honor the Little Union Baptist Church in Dumfries, VA, and its members. 
The Little Union Baptist Church is located in the 11th Congressional 
District in Prince William County, VA. In order to relate the 
development of the Little Union Baptist Church, one must delve into the 
history of the surrounding community and the life of its outstanding 
citizens. Batestown Road derived its name from a remarkable African-
American woman to whom many generations of in Prince William County 
trace their roots, Mary Bates.
  Shortly before the Emancipation Proclamation, Mary Bates, who was 
born a slave in Northern Virginia, was permitted to marry a young slave 
from an adjoining plantation, John (Jack) Thomas. The Thomases became 
stalwart members of the community and operated a local general store. 
Mary was a letter writer for many illiterates of both races. She 
administered strange medications that proved remarkably effective; and 
as midwife, she delivered a major percentage of the babies born during 
this era, especially those whose parents could not afford the services 
of a doctor.
  It was the vision of Mary and John Thomas that gave birth to the 
establishment of the Little Union Baptist Church. During the last 
quarter of the 19th century, two churches were 
[[Page E612]] erected in the area, one in the Neabsco District of 
Prince William County and one barely across the line in Stafford 
County. Because inhabitants of Cabin Branch--later referred to as 
Batestown--had to travel many miles primarily by foot or by horse and 
wagon, Mary convinced John that they should donate the needed land for 
a church in the area. Records on file at the courthouse in Manassas, 
Virginia show a deed dated September 9, 1901, from John Thomas and Mary 
Thomas, his wife, to Daniel Reid, Buck Griffin, and Tazwell Bates, 
trustees. Within the deed, the statement is made that the property was 
given for the exclusive use of the New School Baptist Church. When the 
building was completed in 1903, it was given its present name, Little 
Union Baptist Church.
  Early pastors of the church were mostly missionaries who came 
frequently to deliver impassioned messages on the good life and the 
wages of sin. Membership in the church for many years embraced only two 
or three large families. These devout Christians supported the pastor 
and contributed their talents and limited funds toward the maintenance 
of the small sanctuary which was a source of pride and comfort to them. 
Pastors were called to the church in this order: Rev. Horace Crutcher, 
Rev. Henry Jackson, Rev. Anthony Lane, Rev. William Stokes, Rev. 
Carter, Rev. Booker, Rev. W. Ervin Green, and Rev. Leonary Lacey. 
Records do not reflect the tenure of the first four pastors, however, 
Rev. Carter served from December 1937 until his death in February 1954. 
Rev. Booker succeeded Rev. Carter and served until May 1960, when he 
accepted the pastorship of the Beulah Baptist Church in Markham, VA. 
Reverend Green, who filled the resulting vacancy in December 1960 
served until his death in January 1992. Reverend Lacy was elected to 
the pulpit of Little Union Baptist Church on February 1, 1993, as its 
eighth pastor.
  The church has grown by leaps and bounds and is bursting at the 
seams. Reverend Lacy is a dynamic spiritual teacher and leader and 
under his direction the church has expanded its Bible study, teacher 
training, men's seminar, children's church and vacation Bible school. 
The congregation continues to contribute to the well being of the 
surrounding community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring this very 
historic church and its membership past, present and future for their 
many accomplishments and continued contributions.


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