[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREATER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the 100th year of 
existence of the Greater First Baptist Church of Lewisburg, Tennessee. 
The congregation will celebrate the church's 100th anniversary on 
Sunday, June 25, 2000.
  The church was first erected in 1900 as a one-room building heated 
with wood and coal. In 1959 the church underwent a much-needed 
expansion and renovation project under the guidance of the Rev. W.P. 
Johnson, who was called to pastor the church in September 1941. 
Johnson's son, the Rev. Herbert Johnson, took over as pastor of Greater 
First Baptist Church in September 1997. The elder Johnson now serves as 
the church's pastor emeritus.
  The church has served its community and congregation well for an 
entire century, a time during which our nation struggled through much 
change and innovation. Through those many years, though, Greater First 
Baptist Church never faltered in its commitment to bring the Lord's 
word to the people.
  Lewisburg is a much stronger community because of the work of the 
church and its congregation. I congratulate the congregation's 
perseverance and am sure the church will be just as strong during its 
next 100 years of service.

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