[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1547-E1548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO SOLID ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH OF PATERSON, NJ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Solid 
Rock Baptist Church of Paterson in the Eight Congressional District in 
New Jersey.
  Next year, Mr. Speaker, the Solid Rock Baptist Church will celebrate 
its 50th anniversary as a spiritual leader in the Northern New Jersey 
area. The church was founded in September 1947 when a group of four 
deeply religious souls, Deacon Miledge Primus, Minister James 
Shropshire, Sister Lucille Scott, and Sister Catherine Primus, sought 
to crease a place of sanctuary.

[[Page E1548]]

  The church struggles with the initial growing pains felt by many new 
establishments during their formative years. Finally, in August 1954, 
Rev. Timothy Fennel became pastor to the nearly 100 members and rapidly 
strengthened the organization's membership and infrastructure.
  Under the leadership and guidance of Reverend Fennel, the Solid Rock 
Baptist Church ordained five deacons and initiated a number of 
auxiliary functions, including the creation of the missionary circle, 
deaconess board senior choir, gospel chorus, junior choir, usher board 
busy bees, and M club. The church also provided assistance to area 
hospitals and the surrounding community through its pastor's aides, 
nurses aides, youth guild, Sunday school Bible class, and prayer 
meetings.
  After a life of dedication to the Solid Rock Baptist Church, Reverend 
Fennel passed away on September, 23, 1976. However, Mr. Speaker, he 
left the church with a meaningful legacy and vivacious future. In the 
1980's, under the leadership of Reverend Shearin, the church initiated 
a number of remodeling projects. He also established the stewardship 
and Bible study programs.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, the Solid Rock Baptist Church built such a 
strong presence in the community that they no longer had to look 
outside the organization for guidance. The church elected a favorite 
son as pastor in 1996.
  Rev. Jack Lotts has been a member of the Solid Rock Baptist Church 
since his return from military duty in 1961. He graduated in 1987 with 
a certificate in christian ministry from the New York Theological 
Seminary in New York City and was ordained on October 29, 1989. 
Throughout his tenure with the church, Reverend Lotts has exhibited the 
commitment to the spiritual growth and development demonstrated by 
Reverend Fennel and the original founders of the church. He is 
certainly the right man to led the Solid Rock Baptist church into its 
next 50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to help me salute the Solid Rock Baptist 
Church for its historic achievements, and pray for its continued 
success in the future.

                          ____________________