[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Shiloh 
Missionary Baptist Church in Barrett Station, Texas, on the occasion of 
its 122nd anniversary. The church's long history of providing spiritual 
nourishment and community service will be remembered during a week-long 
celebration culminating in a special service on Sunday, October 18, 
1998.
  The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1876, 12 years 
after the end of the Civil War, by the late Reverend L.J. Lankford. The 
first church services were held in a brush arbor. While the church's 
initial membership was small, Reverend Lankford was not discouraged and 
often reminded the church's members that ``God said, where there is two 
or three gathered in his name, he would be in the midst.'' Under the 
leadership of several dedicated pastors, the church has grown and 
developed into an invaluable community institution in Barrett Station.
  The next leaders of Shiloh were Reverends Lewis Chillis Allen, S.J. 
Sanders, and then P.H. Brown. One of the church's longest-serving 
pastors was the Reverend Wyatt Gamble, who quickly became a role model 
to many in the community. He was loved for his meek and humble ways and 
for his devotion to the church and its members. Reverend Gamble 
traveled back and forth to Barrett Station from Houston by bus or was 
driven by his son to church. He was never deterred by even the worst 
types of weather or other hardships. After work, he would always find 
time to visit the sick. He was especially known for baptizing many 
church members of all ages in the river and later in the canal in 
Barrett Station. Marked by spirit-filled singing and shouting, these 
celebrations attracted many passers-by who would slow down and even 
stop to witness the baptizing.
  Reverend Gambel pastored for more than 23 years until he, 
unfortunately, fell ill. During his illness, Reverend G.S. Matthews was 
given the opportunity to preach one Sunday. This temporary substitution 
turned into 41 years of service as pastor of Shiloh. During that time, 
more property was purchased and a new church was built. Pastor Mathews 
service also included becoming First Vice President of the American 
Baptist Convention of Texas and the Moderator of the Christian 
Benevolent District Association. On July 18, 1996, Reverend G.S. 
Mathews passed away.
  The new pastor, Reverend Israel E. Holmes, has proved just as 
inspiring as his predecessors. In fact, 22 members joined Shiloh after 
listening to Pastor Holmes' powerful message ``One Church, One Body,'' 
taken from 1 Corinthians 12: 1-12. He emphasized that every person in 
the Church has a spiritual gift from God. Pastor Holmes has also 
encouraged church members to use their spiritual gifts in service to 
the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pastor Holmes and all the members of 
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church as they celebrate their 122nd 
anniversary. I wish them continued success as they build on the strong 
sense of community they have helped establish in Barrett Station, 
Texas.

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