[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLESSED HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th 
Anniversary of the Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located in 
Houston, Texas.
  Almost 50 years ago, Rev. Jesse E. Green first sought to hold a 
revival in Wallisville Garden Addition. With the counsel of Brother 
James Anderson and assistance from the Noble Smith family, a meeting 
place was found at 3741 Colvin Street.
  On May 1, 1950, the first services were held at this location. With 
19 congregants in attendance, Rev. Green preached, appropriately 
enough, from John 1:15 with the theme ``Jesus Turns on the Lights.'' 
With the support of ministers from across the Greater Houston area, the 
week-long revival services were a success.
  On May 10, Rev. T.T. Anderson of Beaumont, Texas, called a special 
meeting of those who had attended the revival and organized a church 
with the temporary name of ``The Wallisville Garden Station.'' Bros. 
Anderson and N. Smith were elected deacons, with Bro. Anderson also 
elected Sunday Church School Superintendent. Sister M. Anderson became 
Mission President, and Rev. Green was officially elected Pastor of the 
congregation.
  One week later, a permanent name for the church was selected and the 
Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church was officially born. Over the 
first 20 years, the church prospered, growing to include not only the 
original building, but many additions as well. In 1970, the membership 
decided that a new building was necessary, and so on March 7, 1971, 
Blessed Hope moved into its second official home.
  Again, the church was blessed with growth, both spiritually and 
numerically. On August 7, 1993, Rev. Green proudly led the congregants 
into the third home for the church, where services are still held 
today.
  As they celebrate both the new millennium and 50 years of praising 
God, the members of Blessed Hope reflect on the past and look ahead to 
the future. Rev. Jesse E. Green, founder, longtime pastor, humble 
servant, and good friend, has been called home by our Lord. The new 
pastor, LaKeith D. Lee, and the congregation have worked hard to pay 
off the church mortgage, honor Rev. Green with a new library building, 
and have completed a Youth Education Building. Further, Blessed Hope 
has managed to expand its ministry to include outreach, education, 
evangelism and young adults, just to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the members of the Blessed Hope 
Missionary Baptist Church on their successes over the first 50 years, 
and look forward to the many more years of good works and holy worship 
to come.

                          ____________________