[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E50]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E50]]
           100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer a very special tribute to 
one of this city's most distinguished churches, New Bethel Baptist 
Church; and to its pastor, a leading citizen, former House colleague, 
and my predecessor as District of Columbia Delegate, Reverend Walter 
Fauntroy. The church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of New 
Bethel.
  New Bethel Baptist Church is revered in this city for its leadership 
on many levels. The church is not only a spiritual center. This 
historic church, located centrally in the historic Shaw district, also 
is a leader of social innovation and programs that serve its community 
in diverse and essential ways.
  New Bethel's wide ranging service to its community and our city is 
not surprising. The church's spiritual leader, Reverend Walter 
Fauntroy, is not only a talented and dedicated minister of the gospel. 
He has long been a major figure in the civil rights movement even 
before being elected to Congress. Reverend Fauntroy served for 19 years 
as a distinguished Member of the House and has been a leader of many 
activities for social and economic justice here and in the nation since 
resigning his House seat. Pastor Fauntroy's life and work have added to 
the unique place New Bethel occupies in the life of his church 
community and of the District of Columbia.
  New Bethel is among the oldest and most distinguished churches in the 
city. In its hundredth year, it is almost half as old as the city 
itself. The group that formed the church met first in the home of 
Brother Benjamin Graves under the guidance of Dr. W. Bishop Johnson, 
Pastor of the Second Baptist Church. The membership grew and purchased 
a building on 15th Street, NW. Under the leadership of the Revs. Alfred 
A. Agerton, Samuel Washington and Richard L. Holmes, the congregation 
experienced steady growth.
  In 1903, the Rev. William D. Jarvis accepted the call to the 
pastorate, and the church embarked on a 37-year journey of spiritual 
growth and prosperity. In February 1915, the first worship service was 
held in the building at 9th and S Streets, NW., which had been 
purchased from the Grace M.E. Church. Before Dr. Jarvis' retirement on 
October 1, 1940, the church had grown to 600 worshipers and had become 
a welcome fixture in the community.
  In May 1941, the Rev. C. David Foster, of Philadelphia, PA, was 
unanimously called to the pastorate. Under this leadership, the church 
grew spiritually, numerically and financially, and the building 
underwent extensive renovation.
  On January 19, 1959, the Rev. Walter E. Fauntroy, a son of the church 
who had served as supply pastor, received a unanimous call from the 
members to serve as pastor. For forty-three years, he has responded to 
the spiritually needs of the congregation and the rapidly-changing 
dynamics of the community. Existing organizations have been revitalized 
and new ones have been created. The position of full-time Assistant 
Pastor was established, and a ministerial staff was implemented. A 
tithing program was launched and, in 1973, New Bethel constructed the 
C. David Foster House, an eight-story building with 75 units for low 
and moderate-income families of the Shaw area and other displaced 
persons.
  In 1977, the old structure at 9th and S Streets was razed, and a 
striking new building was constructed on the site and dedicated and 
entered in 1982. Today, guided by the pastor's five-year plan, the 
church continues its mission of service to church members and to the 
Shaw community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to offer this tribute to my 
predecessor and to his distinguished congregation. I ask that this body 
join me in saluting our former colleague, the pastor, and the members 
of the New Bethel Baptist Church on the occasion of their 100th 
Anniversary.

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