[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF 
                                  SAKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
First Baptist Church of Saks, of Anniston, Alabama, on the occasion of 
its 75th anniversary.
  First Baptist Church of Saks began as New Hope Missionary Baptist 
Church on September 10, 1927, with 13 charter members. Those early 
meetings were held in the home of the members. On November 7, 1927, Dr. 
and Mrs. C. L. Harkins donated one-half acre of land to be used as a 
building site for a sanctuary. That first building was constructed of 
wood and seated approximately 200 people.
  On October 7, 1945, the first full-time pastor, Reverend Grover 
Shaddix, was called to serve the church. In May of 1955, the first 
Pastor's home was dedicated. Then, approximately one year later, on May 
4, 1960, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church became First Baptist Church 
of Saks. In June of 1960, the first service was held in the church's 
second sanctuary, a brick building able to accommodate 500 people.
  In 1967, the kindergarten program began at the church; and in 1974, a 
23,000 square foot educational building was completed. By 1977, the 
church had begun its current Day Care program known as Weekday Early 
Education. That was the same year that the state-of the-art pipe organ 
was purchased.
  In 1990, First Baptist Church of Saks dedicated its third sanctuary 
seating 1200 people. In 1995, the church began their TV ministry, which 
currently reaches homes in greater Calhoun County, Alabama; Gadsden, 
Alabama; and the northeast and east central Alabama area.
  I am proud to salute First Baptist Church of Saks on its 75th 
anniversary.

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