[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONGREGATION IN NEW JERSEY

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 1995
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, this weekend a very special 
ceremony will be held in Newark, NJ to commemorate an event of historic 
importance, the founding of the first African-American congregation in 
our State 160 years ago.
  It was on April 27, 1835, that 37 freed slaves and free-born blacks 
left the Old First Presbyterian Church and resolved to become the First 
Colored Presbyterian Church of Newark. In May of that year, the 
Presbytery of Newark acted upon the resolution and they organized into 
a Church with the Reverend John Hunt as their pastor. The Church later 
became the Thirteenth Avenue Presbyterian Church, which merged with 
Clinton Avenue Presbyterian Church in October of 1967.
  The establishment of the Church in 1835 by 37 men and women of 
courage and vision reflected their determination to affirm their own 
culture and identify in their worship.
  Now, 160 years later, the pastor and the congregation continue the 
proud tradition of the founders. In a spirit of love and service, the 
Church continues its commitment to the community.
  This weekend, on Memorial Sunday, a Service of Remembrance and 
Thanksgiving will be held. It will include the lighting of 37 candles 
to honor the founders of the Church; a dramatic presentation by the 
Youth Group; a wreath laying ceremony in honor of loved ones and 
friends of Thirteenth Avenue whose names will be recorded in an Annual 
Memorial Booklet, and the dedication of a Computer Learning Center to 
provide training for the youth of our community as a commitment to the 
future and a renewed affirmation of our self-determination.
  I have asked that during the memorial service a wreath be laid to 
honor Mr. Marcellus Marble, a long-time member of the church. During my 
childhood, Mr. Marble and his wife, Jeanette, showed great kindness in 
including me in special church-related activities. I remember with 
great fondness the yearly church picnic, held at Eagle Rock 
Reservation, where youngsters were able to enjoy games and other 
recreational activities.
  I will always be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Marble for the guidance 
they gave me during those years and the positive role they played in my 
development.
  I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me 
in honoring the pastor of the Clinton Avenue Presbyterian Church, 
Reverend Dr. Alfred B. Johnson and the entire congregation in wishing 
them many more years of success, joy and spiritual growth.


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