[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 68TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. JOHN'S BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the founding 
family and faithful members of the St. John's Baptist Church of Jersey 
City, NJ. On October 25, 1997, at the Newark Airport Hilton in 
Elizabeth, NJ, the church will celebrate its 68th anniversary of 
service.
  St. John's Baptist Church was inspired and founded by Rev. Franklin 
Saunders, Deacons B.J. Johnson and George Bedtison, and a handful of 
faithful members in 1929. That same year, the newly established church 
at 121 York Street in Jersey City, NJ was incorporated by the State of 
New Jersey. Before settling in to its current location at 525 Bramhall 
Avenue in 1948, the church relocated three times within Jersey City: 
The corner of Monmouth and Grand Streets, 291 Grand Street, and 70 
Monticello Avenue. The latter purchase, during the Depression in 1936, 
required two men of substantial employment--Deacons Johnson and 
Bedtison as signatories on a note for $4008 to qualify for purchase of 
that property.
  The church has not only survived for 68 years but also thrived, while 
enriching the community. The church's numerous humanitarian public 
service projects and the friendly nature of its members has helped make 
Jersey City and the surrounding area a better place to live. For 68 
years, members and clergy have worked diligently to ensure the success 
of the church and the community.
  Among the faithful St. John's members and contributors over the years 
are Reverend Sammie Hawkins, Jr., Reverend Brawner, Associate Ministers 
Reverend Richard Hare and Leroy Witcher and Reverend R.L. Williams. 
Reverend Hawkins, the church's new administrator, originally from East 
Dublin, GA arrived permanently on December 28, 1990 with his lovely 
wife, Sister Latichal Hawkins, and daughters, Ebony and Valerie.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding congregation in my 
district. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the excellent 
work of the St. John's Baptist Church.

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