[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1711-E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE REVEREND HARRY J. PILSON AND THE MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to the esteemed Pastor of the Mount Pleasant 
Baptist Church, the Reverend Harry J. Pilson and the Mount Pleasant 
Baptist Church on

[[Page E1712]]

their 130th anniversary. The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has grown 
under the guidance of Pastor Pilson who is celebrating his ninth 
anniversary with the church.
  Pastor Pilson was born in Bassett, VA on March 7, 1949. While growing 
up in Henry County, VA he consistently demonstrated a spirit for 
Christian service. He was a member of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist 
Church where he served as a member of the Gospel Choir, and the Sunday 
School. He was also president of the youth group and participated in 
various civic activities. After completing his secondary education in 
the Henry County public schools, Harry pursued his higher education at 
Virginia State College in Petersburg, and the Northern Virginia 
Community College. He also attended the Virginia Seminary and College 
in Lynchburg where he received an associates degree in social science 
and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian education. In 1987, Harry 
received the Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University 
in Richmond. In addition, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity 
degree from the Virginia Seminary and College in 1989.
  Pastor Pilson joined the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in September 
1988 after having served at the Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg 
from 1974 to 1988 and the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Esmont from 
1972 to 1973. Since relocating to northern Virginia, Pastor Pilson has 
been active in a wide range of community, civic, and religious 
organizations. He serves on the Northern Virginia Baptist Ministers 
Conference, and the Mount Vernon Baptist Ministers Association. He is 
currently serving on the executive boards of both organizations. In 
addition Pastor Pilson has recently been elected to the Board of 
Directors for the Virginia Baptist Sunday School, and the Baptist 
Training Union Congress of Virginia. He has worked as an instructor at 
the Baptist Training Union for the past 16 years. Pastor Pilson also 
volunteers his time to serve as a Chaplain at Alexandria Hospital, 
Chaplain for the Fairfax County police department in Fair Oaks, and 
Chaplain for the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Association 
for the Advancement of Colored People. Pastor Pilson's activities also 
include his membership on the Executive Board of the Lott Carey Foreign 
Mission since 1990 and the Alcohol Safety Program Local Policy Board.
  Even with these many activities, Harry continues to be a devoted 
husband and father. He is married to the former Olivia Scruggs of 
Fluvanna County, VA and they have two sons: Harry James II and Eric 
LeMar. Pastor Pilson cares for his family in much the same way he cares 
for his church and its members: he is concerned for their spiritual, 
social, and mental welfare. Of course, Pastor Pilson's active nature 
complements the long history of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
  The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church has actively served its Lincolnia 
community for 130 years. Mount Pleasant will begin celebrating its 
anniversary on September 15 with the celebrations scheduled to go 
through September 20. Throughout Mount Pleasant's history, the church 
has promoted the spiritual growth of its members. Mount Pleasant 
Baptist Church actively serves a wide range of individuals and 
encourages them to give back to their community.
  I know my colleagues and the congregation of the Mount Pleasant 
Baptist Church will join me in saluting this double anniversary. It is 
a great pleasure to represent a church devoted to giving back so much 
to the surrounding community. In addition, it has been an honor to work 
with an individual such as Pastor Pilson who guides his church to be 
active in providing service to those less fortunate. I wish him and the 
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church continued success for many more years to 
come.

                          ____________________