[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 26 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO SOUTHWESTERN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 1998

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and honor the 
Southwestern Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois on the 
occasion of the celebration of their 70th year Church Anniversary.
  On March 6, 1928, God called together eight individuals for the 
purpose of establishing a church to the glory of God. That church soon 
became known as the Southwestern Missionary Baptist Church. The 
Reverend B. H. January was called as the first pastor of Southwestern 
Church. Reverend January served faithfully and with distinction for 
over 27 years before his retirement. He was succeeded in leadership of 
Southwestern by the Reverend Eugene M. Dillard.
  Under the ministry of Reverend Dillard, Southwestern moved to its 
present location at 8638 South Michigan Avenue. Reverend Dillard 
retired from the ministry in October, 1966. The Reverend William Conley 
served as the third pastor of Southwestern from 1966 until 1974 and 
initiated the church's first Building Fund. The Reverend Leon Edwards 
was called as the fourth pastor in July, 1974. Reverend Edwards served 
with much pride and commanded the respect of all. Under the leadership 
of Reverend Edwards, Southwestern was able to complete the construction 
of its new church facility. On January 27, 1997, God called Reverend 
Edwards home to rest.
  The Reverend Dwight D. Craig, assistant Pastor under Reverend Edwards 
was installed as the fifth pastor of Southwestern on June 29, 1997. 
Reverend Craig has continued to build on the legacy of his 
predecessors. Souls have been saved and healed; they that were bound 
have been set free; the discouraged have gained courage; and the weak 
have been made strong.
  Mr. Speaker, Southwestern has been an anchor in the First 
Congressional District, the State of Illinois and indeed the nation. I 
am honored to recognize the historic anniversary celebration of the 
Southwestern Missionary Baptist Church and am privileged to enter these 
words into the Congressional Record of the United States House of 
Representatives.

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