[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE McKINLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, WILLOW GROVE, 
                              PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 7, 2001

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the one 
hundredth anniversary of the McKinley Baptist Church in Willow Grove, 
Pennsylvania. The church has had a long commitment to serving the 
spiritual needs of the community.
  The McKinley Memorial Baptist Church was established in 1901. The 
founding members of the church named it in honor of the late President 
William McKinley. The church began as a prayer group with the original 
members belonging to the Salem Baptist Church in Jenkintown, 
Pennsylvania. The new church members met at the home of A.T. Cottom to 
organize a new church, which would be formally recognized as a Baptist 
Church in June, 1902. The church began a new era in 1970 under the 
inspiring leadership of the Reverend Lowell M. McCown, Sr.
  Through the years both the McKinley Church family and the programs 
offered have grown in Christian brotherhood. The church continues its 
tradition of developing and sponsoring community outreach programs. 
These include the Youth Scholarship Fund, the President's Council, the 
Board of Christian Education, the Missionary Circle, the Young Adult 
Ministry, and the Drama Ministry.
  In 1976, McKinley Memorial Baptist Church created the Willow Grove 
Senior Citizen Center and named Pastor McCown as its executive 
director. The Center serves the needs of the elderly in the community, 
providing them with an atmosphere of Christian fellowship.
  Throughout its history, McKinley Baptist Church has served the needs 
of many parishioners. It has been successful in bringing many people 
together in Christian brotherhood. As one of the oldest churches in 
Montgomery County, it stands as a pillar of strength and prosperity in 
the Willow Grove community. It is a privilege to recognize McKinley 
Memorial Baptist on its one hundredth anniversary.

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