[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     MARKING THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the African Methodist 
Episcopal Zion Church on the occasion of its bicentennial celebration. 
In just a few weeks, members of the A.M.E. Church will gather in New 
York to mark this special occasion. I want to share with my colleagues 
and the Nation some information regarding the A.M.E. Church.
  Founded in 1796 out of racial persecution and religious 
discrimination, the A.M.E. Zion Church is one of the oldest African-
American dominations. It includes a membership of 1.5 million people in 
12 countries and spanning 5 continents.
  Mr. Speaker, the A.M.E. Zion Church is known as the ``Freedom Church 
of Liberation'' because of its leadership in the abolitionist movement. 
Some of the most famous names in the struggle to abolish slavery, 
including Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Paul Robeson, and 
Harriet Tubman, were A.M.E. Zion Church members. It is interesting to 
note that A.M.E. Zion churches, including the Mother A.M.E. Zion 
Church, the oldest black church in New York City, were actual 
``stations to freedom'' on the Underground Railroad. The stations not 
only served as safe havens, but also as a place to pray for continued 
success.
  The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial celebration marks 
two centuries of worship. Those gathered for the celebration will also 
pause to acknowledge the unselfish labors and sacrifices made by men 
and women throughout the struggle for religious freedom and equality.
  Mr. Speaker, I take pride in saluting the A.M.E. Zion Church on the 
occasion of its bicentennial celebration. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in this special tribute.

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