[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN 
                              CLANTON, AL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the First Baptist Church in 
Clanton, AL. For 125 years, the First Baptist Church has offered 
spiritual guidance to the community of Clanton. The church was 
organized on November 5, 1872, with Rev. J.A. Mullins and Rev. P.H. 
Lundy serving as the church's first ministers. From a small beginning 
of only 10 members, the membership grew to 70 in 1886 and then to 1,470 
in 1996.
  First Baptist Church has made great strides during these 125 years in 
the spreading of the good news to mankind. The Sunday School has always 
been a very strong part of the teaching ministry of the church since 
the first mention of a Sunday School in 1877. Last year, the records 
show that 959 children and adults were enrolled in Sunday School.
  In addition to Sunday School, the Baptist Young People's Union was 
formed for Sunday night training. Currently, it is known as 
Discipleship Training. Whatever the name, the organization has always 
taught Baptist doctrine, leadership courses, and Bible study. The 
enrollment was up to 251 in 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, let me share with you the ways in which First Baptist 
Church mission programs have brought the ministry of the church into 
the community. It was the ladies of the church who began the mission 
programs by forming Ladies Aid Society, which is now known as the 
Women's Missionary Union. Recognizing the need for mission study for 
all ages, Mission Friends, Girl's Auxiliary, and Acteens were also 
organized. For the men in the congregation, the Brotherhood 
organization began which sponsors the boys' groups like the Lads, 
Crusaders, and Challengers.
  First Baptist Church also started three missions in the community: 
The West End Baptist Church in 1948, the Northwide Baptist Church in 
1954, and Lomax Baptist Church in 1958. All three are now active, 
growing churches in Clanton.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to its distinguished mission program, the 
First Baptist Church has always maintained an excellent music program. 
There are three Children's Choirs, a Youth Choir, and an Adult 
Sanctuary Choir. Programs of special music are performed on many 
occasions and have included hand bells. In 1995, a church orchestra was 
formed. Most recently, the outstanding ``Living Pictures'' was 
presented in 1997.
  Mr. Speaker, First Baptist Church has been very successful in 
reaching out to the young and old alike. The youth ministry is also a 
vital program which emphasizes Bible teaching, recreation, retreats, 
youth camps, youth week, and person soul winning. For the older members 
of the congregation, the fellowship of the Keenagers meet each month 
for lunch and an inspirational message. Trips to places of special 
interest are taken regularly. For those who are not physically able to 
attend services, a Homebound Ministry is provided which provides church 
literature on each of their monthly visits.
  Under the current leadership of Dr. Michael, new ideas have been 
promoted including greeters for each service, prayer partners during 
worship services, and a worship service for children ages 4 to 6.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, in honor of this anniversary of the First 
Baptist Church in Clanton, let me share with you the church's 
invaluable vision which has been and will continue to be: ``As a 
unconditional love in accomplishing our mission for Jesus.''

                          ____________________