[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING CLEAR FORK BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in recognition 
of Clear Fork Baptist church, located in Albany, Kentucky. Clear fork 
celebrated its 200th anniversary April 7th, 2002.
  When our great nation was only 26 years old, Clear Fork Baptist 
church was founded on the banks of the Clear Fork Creek in what is now 
Clinton County. The founder, Pastor Isaac Denton, migrated to Kentucky 
from North Carolina in 1798 and, according to his calling, began to 
conduct a series of meetings in 1801, converting many settlers to 
Christianity. In April of 1802, Clear Fork Baptist Church was 
established with 13 charter members. The Church thrived under Pastor 
Denton's leadership for 46 years until his death in 1848. He was buried 
beside the Church, where his tombstone has since been restored and 
memorialized to honor his dedication. His son, Joseph Denton, also 
served Pastor for 33 years, becoming one of 24 men who have guided the 
Church throughout history until today.
  Clear Fork Baptist Church has survived an astounding history. The 
original building was destroyed by fire during the Civil War. Three 
other structures have been erected through the years, including today's 
church building, which was built in 1995.
  Several church members throughout history have also served the great 
State of Kentucky. Preston H. Leslie, Governor of the Commonwealth of 
Kentucky from 1871-1875, was a member of the Church. In addition, Major 
William Wood, a state legislator for 23 years, was one of the charter 
members. During his term in the Legislature, a bill for the Benefit of 
Religious Society in the Commonwealth was passed. This bill provided 
official recognition of trustees appointed by the church to act as 
legal representatives of their congregations.
  Known as ``The Lighthouse in the Wilderness'' after a history book 
written about the Church, Clear Fork Baptist is the oldest in Clinton 
County and was the fountainhead for many churches in Kentucky and 
Tennessee. The first secular school was also established by and named 
after the Church.
  Few churches in our region of the country have a longer or more 
colorful history than Clear Fork Baptist. Two hundred years after its 
birth, the Church continues to stand with a determination to fulfill 
her mission to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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