[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    RECOGNITION OF THE PEE DEE CONFERENCE OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST 
                         EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize an 
important event in my congressional district. On October 1, 1995, the 
Pee Dee Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 
South Carolina will commemorate and celebrate the Bicentennial of the 
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
  Nearly 200 years ago, a group of individuals decided to leave the 
John Street Methodist Church in New York because of discrimination and 
denial of religious liberties. These individuals organized what was to 
become the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Zion was added to 
the name in 1848 to distinguish this denomination from other African 
Methodist bodies. The Right Reverend George E. Battle, Jr., Bishop of 
the Pee Dee conference, has declared a week of celebration of this 
anniversary for the week of October 1-8, 1995.
  I would like to recognize and congratulate the many African Methodist 
Episcopal Zion Churches of the Pee Dee conference as they celebrate 
their 200 years and to commend these congregations for the vital work 
they provide families within their communities. I would also like to 
extend to them my best wishes for their next century of faithful 
service.


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