[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MOTHER A.M.E. ZION CHURCH: 200 YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 1996

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
bring to your attention a church in my congressional district which is 
celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, and is the oldest African-
American congregation in the State of New York.
  The church I am speaking of is the historic Mother African Methodist 
Episcopal Zion Church, affectionately called Mother Zion.
  Mother Zion Church is the mother of the African Methodist Episcopal 
Zion Connection, who was popularly known as the Freedom Church because 
of its pivotal role in the abolitionist movement. Many conference 
churches, including Mother Zion, served as stations on the underground 
railroad.
  Mother Zion Church has been served by 29 pastors in its history; two 
were elected bishops: Rt. Rev. James Walter Brown and Rt. Rev. Alfred 
Gilbert Dunston.
  As the pastor, Dr. Alvin T. Durant, and the members of Mother AME 
Zion Church rejoice in this bicentennial year ongoing celebration, I 
extend to them my congratulations, friendship, and support as they go 
forth honoring 200 years of Christian service.

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