[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CUTCHOGUE

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
historical development of the First Baptist Church of Cutchogue. In 
1924, a small dedicated group of members met in a little school house 
on Oregon Road in Cutchogue Long Island, under the leadership of 
Reverend E.A. Green. There, a foundation of faith was laid and dreams 
of things bigger and better began.
  In no time at all the church began to flourish. The members 
established a board of deacons, trustee board, missionary society, and 
a senior choir. The little school house was no longer able to hold all 
of God's people. The trustees believed in the Baptists and were willing 
to do something to help. On December 15, 1925 they purchased a quarter 
of an acre of land on Middle Road from Frank and Anna McBride for the 
amount of $866.00. The deed was signed by trustees William Brown, 
Gilbert Davis, Kelsy Cosby, Anderson Cook, and John Jacobs. The little 
church wasn't little anymore.
  Thanks to the trustees and the dedicated members, the beliefs of the 
Baptists were kept alive and the followers were strong and numerous. 
This success can in part be attributed to the dedicated pastors who 
provided guidance, patience, and support to their congregation and the 
community.
  Present pastor, Rev. Cornelius Fulford blessed the followers with his 
wisdom, grace, and mercy when he took over the responsibility of the 
church in 1989. Pastor Fulford realizes how important children are to 
the church and he focuses on programs like Bible study, C.C.C. Choir, 
and the junior usher board. His preaching, teaching, and reaching out 
strengthened the bonds between the followers and provided them with the 
leadership they need to continue to grow as a congregation and as a 
society.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to have the First Baptist Church of 
Cutchogue and its members as one of our Eastern Long Island neighbors. 
This blessed church and its members learned that with hard work and 
perseverance, anything is possible in the Name of the Lord. The 
dedication of the clergy and congregation deserve our acknowledgement. 
I thank you for joining with me in their praise and recognition.

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