[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI

 Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, this month is the centennial 
anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport, Mississippi.
  The First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport has a rich history serving 
the Lord and the Gulfport community. It was organized on February 17, 
1899 by the New Orleans Presbytery. On January 30, 1904, the original 
frame church building was dedicated and a year later, Reverend F.L. 
McFadden was installed as the church's first Pastor. Reverend H.A. 
Jones was installed in December 1909 and served until his death in 
January 1915. Reverend A.C. Armond ministered to the church until World 
War I. Dr. Charles Newman followed, faithfully conducting worship for 
fourteen years. Reverend J.N. Brown served the Presbyterian Church 
during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Korean Conflict.
  Installed in 1954, Dr. Richard L. Summers led the ministry until 
September 1986. It was during Dr. Summer's thirty-two year tenure that 
the present church at 1214 24th Avenue was dedicated and a number of 
important programs were instituted such as a week-day kindergarten.
  The congregation joined the Presbyterian Church of America in 1982 
and was received in May 1983 by Grace Presbytery, P.C.A, at the First 
Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg.
  In July 1987, Reverend Danny Levi was installed, serving through 
December 1991. Reverend William R. Lyle was ordained in January 1991 
and served as an Assistant Pastor until December 1992.
  The First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport is now blessed to have 
Reverend Marshall D. Connor, a graduate of the University of South 
Carolina and the Reformed Theological Seminary, as its current Pastor. 
The father of seven children and the grandfather of two, Reverend 
Conner and his wife Linda have served the church since March 1993.
  As the First Presbyterian Church reaches this significant milestone, 
it is appropriate to look back and reflect on the many lives touched by 
this institution. The thousands of worshipers who have achieved 
spiritual fulfilment. The children who received a strong religious 
education based on devotion to faith, family, and freedom and the 
biblical principles of integrity, conviction, and moral fiber. The sons 
and daughters who entered into the sacred bond of matrimony. The many 
devoted followers who regularly attended Sunday service, and who, in 
the Christian tradition, sought and received redemption. And the 
friends and family members who prayed for their loved ones and those in 
need.
  The First Presbyterian Church has remained a center for community 
life and spiritual well-being for a century. This history will serve as 
a beacon for Gulfport as our nation moves forward into the next 
millennium.
  For one hundred years, and with nine ministers, this congregation has 
stood as a strong testament to its glorious teachings. I am proud and 
honored to commemorate this historic achievement.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the First Presbyterian 
Church of Gulfport, Mississippi, and to wish the church and its many 
followers a joyous centennial anniversary.

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