[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1008-E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO FIRST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on June 8, the First Calvary Baptist Church 
will celebrate its 10th anniversary. It is with great pleasure that I 
rise today to celebrate this vital and thriving congregation.
  The First Calvary Baptist Church was founded in 1986 by the Reverend 
Boise Kimber. From the beginning the church has overcome a number of 
obstacles. The church's first worship service was held on June 1, 1986. 
However, the church was without a formal place of worship and had to 
hold services at the Holiday Inn in New Haven. Services were then moved 
to the Yale University Dwight-Battell Chapel. On July 20, 1986, the 
church officially opened its doors to new members. The last service to 
be held at the Dwight-Battell Chapel was on August 24, 1986. Services 
were then temporarily moved back to the Holiday Inn. It was then that 
the congregation's prayers were answered and they were able to hold 
worship services at the Church of God and Saints of Christ.
  The First Calvary Baptist Church has always made youth outreach an 
important part of its mission. The first Sunday school classes were 
held on September 14, 1986. The Youth in Action Program began on March 
5, 1987. The program gave youth an opportunity to participate in topics 
that concerned the church and

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community. The church also runs Bible study classes. This dedication to 
the education and participation of church youth is one of the 
foundations of the church.
  In addition to reaching out to the young members of the congregation, 
the church has maintained a deep commitment to the community. In 
particular, the church has focused attention on a number of social 
problems and taken action to help those in need in the area. A food 
pantry is operated by the congregation and they also participate in the 
Food Share Program. The church also invites a variety of national 
figures to speak to the community on social issues. For example, 
speakers have addressed issues like unemployment, the welfare of 
children, and violence among youth.
  There are a number of ways the congregation stays in touch with their 
spirituality and history. Every year revivals are held to, in the words 
of church members, ``keep our souls regenerated and focused on the 
Lord.'' The church also holds an annual memorial service for Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr.
  It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the many hardworking 
members of the First Calvary Baptist Church congregation on this 
anniversary. I am sure there will be many more anniversaries to 
celebrate as the congregation is sure to keep the church growing. I 
commend the First Calvary Baptist Church for its dedication to the 
community and its commitment to the spiritual well-being of its youth 
and congregation.

                          ____________________