[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10321-S10322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ZION NO. 1, MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 126TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, on Sunday, August 11, 1996, the Zion No. 
1, Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 126th anniversary. Zion No. 
1 was formed in 1870, only a few miles from its present location in 
Barton, AL. It is one of the oldest in the State of Alabama.
  Arthur Barton, a white landowner, donated the land for this church as 
a gift to its organizers, who had a phenomenal zeal for worshipping 
God. The church they built stood for many years. A second building, 
home of the Pine Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, located on a hill 
just off Highway 72 in west Colbert County, was purchased from the 
Methodist Conference by the small Zion No. 1 congregation in 1891 for 
$300.
  This church building was held together by wooden pegs. It is reported 
that there are no nails in the building. Kerosene or coal oil lamps 
were used for light. Two enormous pillars were visible in the center of 
the sanctuary running from the floor to the ceiling. These are still in 
place today.
  During the Civil War, the Pine Grove Methodist Episcopal Church 
building had been used as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers. It 
is said that two cannon balls were found in the walls as a result of a 
battle which took place between the town of Barton and the Tennessee 
River. There were blood stains on the floor and on portions of its 
baseboards and gunshot holes were visible in the walls. The basic 
structure which exists today remains largely as it was when it was 
constructed before the Civil War. Subsequent renovations have hidden 
evidence that it was once a hospital and church for wounded Confederate 
soldiers.
  In 1969, brick was added, as well as new fixtures, carpeting, and a 
public address system. In 1977, a new roof was added, carpeting was 
laid in the educational annex, and folding doors were added.
  The years between 1978 and 1986 were a time of rapid growth for Zion 
No. 1, Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation purchased three 
acres of land to expand the cemetery, and the central heating system 
was installed. A second educational annex, which includes a baptismal 
pool, was constructed. Previously, the Tennessee River had been used 
for baptizing new members.
  The Reverend Wayne S. Bracy became the 16th and current pastor on 
February 8, 1992. He has brought a fervent spiritual atmosphere and a 
commitment to teaching and training to Zion No. 1.
  I am pleased to congratulate the Zion No. 1, Missionary Baptist 
Church on the occasion of its 126th anniversary.

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 Its rich heritage and dedicated leaders and members are testaments to 
the tremendous role religion continues to play in America's culture and 
development.

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