[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 31 (Monday, March 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING THE 183D ANNIVERSARY OF THE MT. ZION A.M.E. CHURCH IN 
                              COLUMBIA, PA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 20, 2000

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 183d 
anniversary of the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Columbia, PA.
  Early church records indicate that the establishment of the first 
Meeting House for African-Americans in Columbia, PA was created in 
1817. At their location, African-Americans had a place to worship, meet 
and discuss their daily lives, and also plan strategies for others to 
escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. The establishment 
was expanded in 1823 by a group of emancipated slaves from Virginia, 
and subsequently formed the first Methodist Church. This small, yet 
thriving church, located on N Avenue, was used as a place of worship 
until 1832. The church and the preceding structures were the beginning 
of the present Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
  During the pastorate of Reverend Stephen Smith, a small frame church 
was purchased on the corner of J Avenue and Church Avenue. Sadly, this 
church burned to the ground in 1840. A brick structure was built in its 
place, which served the congregation until 1862. After 1862, a new 
building was secured at the south corner of N Avenue and Fifth Street. 
This structure was used as a church for 10 years, and then was turned 
over to the Columbia School District to be used as a school for 
African-American children. This building later became the Harvey T. 
Mackle American Legion Home.
  The present site of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church was founded in 1872. A 
large brick church, built under the pastorate of Rev. George M. Witten, 
was located adjacent to the south corner of N Avenue and Fifth Street. 
Tragedy again struck in 1921 when the church was destroyed by fire. The 
present structure, which remains today, was rebuilt with the help of 
the African-American community.
  Throughout the years, many devoted pastors, their families, church 
members, and community friends provided the leadership and sacrifice 
that enabled the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church to survive, continue, and 
operate to this magnificent time and place in history. The members and 
friends of the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church celebrate the momentous 183d 
anniversary under the current leadership of Rev. Charles McAllister and 
Rev. Patricia McAllister.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to congratulate the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church 
in Columbia, PA for their 183d anniversary, and wish their members and 
family the best of health and happiness in the years to come.




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