[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2207-E2208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 1997

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize in the official 
record of this body the extraordinary history of one the District's 
leading congregations, the New Bethel Baptist

[[Page E2208]]

Church, organized in 1902 by former members of the Salem Baptist 
Church. Today, New Bethel's pastor for the past 28 years is my 
distinguished predecessor Walter E. Fauntroy, who ably served the 
people of the District of Columbia for 19 years. The opportunity to 
offer this tribute today is a real personal honor.
  The group met first in the home of Brother Benjamin Graves under the 
guidance of Dr. W. Bishop Johnson, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church. 
The membership grew and purchased a building on 15th Street, NW. Under 
the leadership of the Revs. Alfred A. Agerton, Samuel Washington and 
Richard L. Holmes, the church experienced steady growth.
  In 1903, the Rev. William D. Jarvis accepted the call to the 
pastorate, and the church embarked on a 37 year journey of spiritual 
growth and prosperity. In February 1915, the first worship service was 
held in the building at 9th and S Streets, NW which had been purchased 
from the Grace M.E. Church. Before Dr. Jarvis' retirement on October 1, 
1940, the church had grown to 600 in number and had become a fixture in 
the community.
  In May 1941, the Rev. C. David Foster, of Philadelphia, PA, was 
unanimously called to the pastorate. Under his leadership, the church 
grew spiritually, numerically and financially, and the building 
underwent extensive renovation.
  On January 19, 1959, the Rev. Walter E. Fauntroy, a son of the church 
who had served as supply pastor, received a unanimous call from the 
members to serve as pastor. For thirty-eight years, he has responded to 
the spiritual needs of the congregation and the rapidly-changing 
dynamics of the community. Existing organizations have been revitalized 
and new ones have been created. The position of full-time Assistant 
Pastor was established, and a ministerial staff was implemented. A 
tithing program was launched, and in 1973, New Bethel constructed the 
C. David Foster House, an eight-story building with 75 units for low- 
and moderate-income families of the Shaw area and other displaced 
persons.
  In 1977 the old structure at 9th and S Streets was razed, and the new 
edifice constructed on the site was dedicated and entered in 1982. 
Today, guided by the pastor's 5-year plan, the church continues its 
mission of service to church members and to the Shaw community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this body join me in saluting the pastor and 
members of the New Bethel Baptist Church on the occasion of their 95th 
Anniversary with its theme--Christians Committed to Serve.

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