[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E157-E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I 
rise to celebrate Black History Month. As we honor the great culture 
and historic legacy that African-Americans have left to us and to 
future generations, I would like to recognize the oldest African-
American church in Gary, Indiana--First Baptist. On Sunday, February 
24, 2002, I will have the privilege and the honor to attend the worship 
service at First Baptist to show my respect for the spiritual 
foundation on which First Baptist was founded.
  It was during the Industrial Revolution when smokestacks dotted the 
skies along the southern coast of Lake Michigan that thousands of 
immigrants looking for a better life and a steady income migrated to 
Northwest Indiana. Many who came to Northwest Indiana, particularly 
Gary, were from the South. Several of the migrants who came to Gary 
brought with them deeply embedded religious beliefs, including a 
yearning for their own place of worship. This unwavering spiritual 
foundation led in 1908 to the creation of Gary's first African-American 
church, First Baptist.
  In its earliest days, the first services were held in the residence 
of Mr. and Mrs. Rankins, in Gary, yet baptisms were performed in 
Chicago. The need to establish a single spiritual home for its growing 
family of parishioners inspired the decision to purchase a vacant lot 
on Washington Street in downtown Gary.
  In 1917, the church moved to 2101 Washington Street and began to 
expand its house of worship. The expansion project was completed in 
1925. A year later First Baptist church achieved a milestone; they 
became the first African-American church in Gary to install a pipe 
organ. Through most of this period of unprecedented foundation and 
growth, Rev. Hawkins led and guided this congregation. In June of 1944, 
after 31 years of service, Rev. Hawkins delivered his last sermon, for 
his health was deteriorating. He died four years later. His successor, 
Reverend L.V. Booth, took over in July of the same year.
  Under Rev. Booth's devout leadership, the number of parishioners 
continued to grow and the church began its second major expansion 
project: ten new lots were purchased along 21st Avenue near Harrison 
Street in 1949. In 1952, during the growth phase, Rev. Booth resigned 
after eight years of service. However, December of the same year 
brought forth a dedicated new pastor, Rev. Penn. During his 21-year 
tenure with First Baptist, he completed the second phase of the 
building expansion and held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 2, 1954 on 
21st Avenue, with Rev. William Jernigan, president of the National 
Baptist Sunday School, in attendance.
  In September of 1955, the parishioners marched from the building at 
2101 Washington Street to their new house of worship and current 
location, 626 West 21st Avenue. In its new home, First Baptist entered 
an era of renewed community involvement. Under Rev. Penn's guidance, 
the number of worshippers grew from 1,200 members in 1955 to more than 
1,900 in 1972.
  In 1973, Rev. Penn resigned and gave his farewell sermon. Since that 
time, First Baptist has succeeded in its efforts to provide spiritual 
guidance for the Gary community under the direction of a number of 
religious leaders, including: Dr. Colvin Blanford; Rev. William Booth; 
the Rev. Allen Smith; and its current pastor, Rev. Bennie Henson, Sr.
  A congregation founded in 1908 to meet the spiritual needs of the 
African-American community survives today as the city's oldest African-
American church. In June of this year, First Baptist will celebrate its 
94th anniversary. This is a testament to the positive will, dedication 
and fortitude of its past and present parishioners.
  Mr. Speaker, as we remember the great cultural and historic legacy of 
African-American heritage during this month, I ask that you and my 
other colleagues join me in commending the parishioners at First 
Baptist and all other outstanding African-American leaders for their

[[Page E158]]

efforts to build a better society for our country and the citizens of 
Northwest Indiana.

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