[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO GREATER BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH, MIAMI, FL

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 1996

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Greater 
Bethel A.M.E. Church, the oldest African-American congregation in the 
city of Miami.
  Since its founding on March 12, 1896, in the home of Mr. A.C. 
Lightburn, Greater Bethel A.M.E. has been at the center of Miami's 
spiritual and community development.
  Today, in fulfillment of its founder's vision, Greater Bethel A.M.E. 
Church still nurtures the spirit of its congregation and the entire 
Miami community.
  Standing on the word, under the cross, in its 100 years of existence, 
13 men have served as pastor: Rev. W.G. Fields, Rev. W.A. Jackson, Rev. 
S.J. Johnson, Rev. A.P. Postell, Rev. R.B. Sutton, Rev. H.B. Barkley, 
Rev. H.W. Fayson, Rev. W.F. Ball, Rev. J.B. Blacknell, Rev. S.A. 
Cousin, Rev. T.S. Johnson, Rev. Ira D. Hinson, and Rev. John F. White.
  As it begins its second century, Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church is 
responding to many new challenges. Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church 
provides programs for children and senior citizens. The church provides 
counseling to drug and alcohol abusers, shelters and clothes the 
homeless, as well as gives support to people infected with HIV.
  A solid rock in Miami's African-American community, Greater Bethel 
A.M.E. Church continues to uplift and nurture the human spirit while 
reinforcing the fabric of the community's social and economic well-
being.
  Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church recognizes that salvation and service go 
hand in hand. Church members realize, all too well, that you can't 
speak to someone about God if they are hungry; and that if you're going 
to save souls, you have to save their bodies too.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church on the first 
100 years and I wish them much success as they carry on their mission 
through the next 100 years of service and dedication to God and 
mankind.

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