[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CLINTON MEMORIAL AME ZION CHURCH ROOF DEDICATION CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday witnessed the dedication of 
a new roof for the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church at 151 Broadway in 
Newark, NJ. This accomplishment is truly significant to this particular 
house of worship. For many years the Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church 
had no stable church home. The early history of the church was marked 
by ups and downs and much movement from one location to another. The 
church was founded in 1822, the same year that free Black men went to 
Liberia to found Monrovia. This is just one example of the type of 
vision and moral and social commitment that has permeated the 
leadership and membership of this church throughout its existence.
  While the church was founded in 1822 it did not find its present home 
until 1930 when Rev. J.M. Hoggard was pastor. Reverend Hoggard was a 
resident of my childhood neighborhood. He had a great impact on our 
community and many of its people.
  I was fortunate to be affiliated with this church when I was a young 
man. It was one of the most progressive institutions around. It had the 
foresight to provide the youth with activities such as socials and 
sports in a setting that was moralistically sound. While the youngsters 
were being kept occupied and happy they learned the importance of 
morals, faith and religion. I think my participation in these programs 
helped shape my concepts of the youth programs I would run for the YMCA 
when I became an adult.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have wanted to join me as 
I extended my congratulations and best wishes to the congregants of the 
Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church of Newark, NJ.

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