[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DOVER, MORRIS 
                           COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 105th 
Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Dover in Morris County, New 
Jersey.
  The First Baptist Church has been serving the Dover community since 
1893, when thirty-nine Dover residents, all members of the neighboring 
Netcong Baptist Church, came together to establish a church in their 
own town. While on the date of its establishment the church had no 
building of its own, by 1895 the cornerstone of a new building was set 
and, one year later, a dedication service for the church was held.
  As the church continued to attract new parishioners over subsequent 
years, it soon became clear that there would not be enough space to 
house the entire parish. By 1966, the First Baptist Church purchased 12 
acres of land on which to build a newer, larger building for worship. 
Construction of this building was completed on Easter Sunday, 1975, and 
recent renovation of the church's interior has included a complete 
overhaul of the church's main auditorium.
  Continuing its long tradition of social outreach, the First Baptist 
Church today supports close to sixty-seven missionaries, who extend the 
good works of the church throughout New Jersey and in countries 
overseas. The church has also been blessed with strong leadership over 
the years, and has seen thirteen pastors since its inception in 1893. 
It is led today by Reverend John L. Hackworth, Senior Pastor.
  On Sunday, April 5, 1998, Reverend Hackworth, with the assistance of 
the church's parish and clergy, will lay the foundation for continued 
success into the next century. On this momentous occasion, I want to 
ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues to join with me in 
commemorating the First Baptist Church of Dover on this special 
anniversary year.

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