[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1782-E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 80 YEARS OF HISTORY OF McGEE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH, BERKELEY, CA 1918-
                                   98

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 1998

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, from an idea conceived by the late Reverend 
Silks Lincoln Tillman, a tiny Mission was organized in 1918 at 1934 
Bonita Avenue in Berkeley, California. The purpose of the Mission was 
to meet the spiritual needs of the citizens in the rapidly growing city 
of Berkeley. The name, Mt. Pleasant, was given to the Mission because 
of the great love Reverend Tillman had for Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 
in his native home of Mississippi. Rev. Tillman served both as Pastor 
and Sunday School Superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Mission.

[[Page E1783]]

  During the early years, several ministers were called to the church 
during the period from 1921 through 1930. In 1930, the church was moved 
from its original location to its present site on the corner of McGee 
Avenue and Stuart Streets in Berkeley. During the Great Depression, the 
Mt. Pleasant Church building was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt 
under the direction of Pastor C. Brown. In 1935, Reverend James Dee 
Wilson accepted the pastorate of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Through 
his leadership and ministry, Mt. Pleasant became a moving force in the 
life of Berkeley. In 1944, the name of the church was changed from Mt. 
Pleasant to McGee Avenue Baptist and incorporated during the same year.
  Reverend Wadie H. Sypert, serving in the capacity of Assistant 
Pastor, accepted the call as pastor of the Church in 1950. He was a man 
of versatility and was an accomplished pastor as well as an educator. 
The mortgage of the Church was burned under his leadership and Rev. 
Sypert retired in 1971. Reverend James H. Stewart accepted the 
pastorate in October 1971. He took the reins of leadership with 
enthusiasm and expanded the church programs to great proportions. He 
upgraded the existing facilities and acquired additional properties.
  During the late 70's and early 80's the church expanded its mission 
to feed the indigent and unemployed. Two hundred to three hundred 
persons are provided hot meals three days a week. After 21 years as 
pastor, Rev. Stewart retired in June, 1992. On February 21, 1993, Rev. 
D. Mark Wilson was installed as pastor of McGee Avenue Baptist Church. 
Within a 6-year period, Rev. Wilson has led the Church to new heights. 
McGee Avenue Baptists Church became a strong and well-represented 
Church in the American Baptist Churches USA and as a member of the 
Progressive National Baptist Convention.
  Under Pastor Wilson's administration, the thousand members historic 
black Baptist Church has strengthened spiritual witness and fellowship 
with the congregation and in the local community. The Church has 
received funding from the City of Berkeley to expand its social justice 
ministries. It continues in collaborative efforts with local community-
based organizations in establishing outstanding programs for youth and 
adults: HIV and Aids Education, Computer Literacy, Educational Aid and 
Bible Study.
  Pastor Wilson is well known throughout the country as a dynamic 
preacher, musician and social justice activist. He has served on 
numerous boards and organizations as past Chair of the Political Action 
and Human Rights Committee of the Progressive Baptist State Convention 
and a former Northern California Regional Convenor of the American 
Baptist Black Caucus.
  In 1996, the Church created the McGee Avenue Baptist Church Community 
Development Corporation for senior housing and facilities for the 
Church outreach program. Pastor Wilson, with the congregation, defined 
the motto and mission statement of the Church. On September 8, 1997, 
construction began on the McGee Avenue Baptist Church Kitchen 
Remodeling and its completion assured the continuation of its food 
project. McGee Baptist Church established a fully equipped Community 
Computer Center, instituted Home Bible Studies and has licensed and 
ordained a growing number of ministers of the gospel.
  I join in joyous celebration with Pastor Wilson, the McGee Avenue 
Baptist Church members and its friends and look forward to continued 
growth, worship, grace and service to God and the people.

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