[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE PARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF BEECH ISLAND, SC

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                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, the members of the Park Missionary Baptist 
Church of Beech Island, SC, are planning a 125th anniversary 
celebration to commemorate the founding of the church on Sunday, April 
14, 1872. The original location of the church was near Myers Mill on 
the east side of Pen Branch which is now part of the Savannah River 
site.
  The church remained on the east side of Pen Branch until 1899. At 
that time it was moved and rebuilt on the west side of Pen Branch. The 
church thrived at that location until 1938, when it moved near Highway 
28 northwest of Pen Branch.
  In 1950, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission announced that its new 
production plants were to be designed, built, and operated by the E.I. 
Dupont de Nemours Co. near the Savannah River. About 250,000 acres were 
required for the site, and the Park Missionary Baptist Church was 
located within the designated area. Consequently, it was necessary for 
the church to move again.
  Subsequent to the announcement of the Federal Government, the church 
family selected a search committee to find a new location for the 
church. Land was purchased--23.2 acres for $1,392--on January 16, 1952, 
from Mr. James McElmurray, and the church was moved near Beech Island.
  The church entered a new phase of its dream in November 1977, when 
ground was again broken for a new place of worship. On September 17, 
1978, the congregation marched from the old site to the new sanctuary 
which was then dedicated in special services on Sunday, October 1, 
1978.
  The collective prayers of Park Church members were answered when on 
Sunday, October 20, 1990, the Reverend Alex E. Williams was called as 
the church's eighth pastor. Reverend Williams continues to serve Park 
Church today. Throughout its 125-year history, Park Missionary Baptist 
Church has ordained six men as ministers and has licensed two others as 
ministers.
  On January 21, 1991, the church held its first Martin Luther King 
celebration. This has become an annual event along with the Youth 
Crusade which was initially a project of the young adult department. 
Along with these two annual events, the church established a board of 
trustees, organized an adult choir, and has a full-time program with 
services each Sunday. The members have enjoyed the completion of a 
fellowship hall and continue to grow in faith and move toward their 
motto, ``Where All Hands Join Together.''

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