[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON THEIR 165 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join Reverend Daylan Greer, Sr. and the congregation of the Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Haven, Connecticut as they 
celebrate their 165th Anniversary--a tremendous milestone for this New 
Haven institution.
  Founded in Philadelphia in response to discrimination found in the 
Methodist Church, the first Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 
now fondly known as Mother Bethel, opened its doors in 1794. The vision 
of the Reverend Richard Allen, a freed slave, the African Methodist 
Episcopal Church was the successful development of a separate religious 
identity for African Americans and was the first fully independent 
black denomination in America. Upon his election as the first Bishop of 
the A.M.E., Reverend Allen set the stage for the church in New England 
by sending preachers to cities that had a population of one hundred or 
more African Americans. New Haven was one of those cities.
  The year 1838 is marked with the Reverend Eli N. Hall as becoming the 
first pastor of the Bethel-New Haven, Connecticut. Under the direction 
of Reverend Hall and the many pastors who followed, the church has 
flourished and become an important fixture in the Dixwell community. It 
is the dedication and commitment of their congregation that has made 
this church such a great success. Our churches play a vital role in our 
communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when 
they are most in need. In over a century, there have been many who have 
worshiped within their halls and many who have found peace and strength 
in the outstretched arms of the congregation.
  It is with honor and the deepest thanks and appreciation for all of 
their good work that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations 
to the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of New Haven on their 
165th Anniversary.

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