[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1910-E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH IN CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SERVICE 
                        AND WORSHIP IN CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shiloh Baptist 
Church in celebration of 150 years of service and worship in Cleveland.
  Shiloh Baptist Church is the first African American Baptist Church in 
the city of Cleveland. Since its founding in 1849 Shiloh Baptist Church 
has developed and maintained a unique link to the city of Cleveland. 
During the time when Cleveland was a small rural community, a merchant 
by the name of Michael Gregory owned a dwelling storefront that became 
a meeting place for the settlers. It was there that seeds for the need 
of a church were planted and soon after Shiloh Baptist Church was the 
magnificent blossom. Through the

[[Page E1911]]

years, Shiloh's development was insured by the dedication and care of 
several ministers, deacons, and members. Today, under the pastorate of 
Rev. Alfred M. Walker, more than 1,300 new members have joined Shiloh 
Baptist Church. Leading under the theme ``Exalting Jesus, the Christ'', 
Rev. Walker has adopted the main task of: ``Recognizing Evil and doing 
something about it; and seeking to know the Truth and be willing to 
speak and act in its defense''.
  Considered to be the Mother Church in Cleveland, Shiloh Baptist 
Church has been responsible for the organization of many other churches 
in the surrounding area. Through Shiloh's maternal link with the 
Cleveland community the congregation has continued to grow. Shiloh 
Baptist Church has managed to nourish and nurture the community for 150 
years through its various organizations and activities. This great 
church offers the people of the community a chance to work together 
with the church in grand synopsis form which has produced men and women 
who have made many significant contributions to the economic and social 
development of the city and the state.
  I am pleased to congratulate Shiloh Baptist Church on the 150th 
anniversary in addition to its being designated a historical landmark 
by the Heritage Society of Cleveland and the Cleveland Restoration 
Society. It is an honour to recognize the Shiloh Baptist Church on the 
floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

                          ____________________