[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Friendship Baptist 
Church in Pasadena, California. Friendship Baptist Church is one of the 
oldest congregations in Pasadena-celebrating its 110th anniversary this 
month with the theme ``God's People Working Together.''
  Founded in September 1893, it was the first Negro Baptist church in 
the city and for many years had the largest membership of any African 
American church. Throughout its history, the church has played an 
important religious and civic role not only here in Pasadena, but also 
in Mexico, Australia and Africa as well.
  Beginning as a Sunday school for Pasadena's early Negro settlers, the 
devoted members later chartered themselves as a full-fledged Baptist 
Church. The church was organized in the hall located at 12 Kansas 
Street which has since become known as Green Street. In 1897, the first 
building was erected on South Vernon Avenue at a cost of $950.
  The church grew and prospered under the leadership of several 
ministers until the 1920's when Reverend W.H. Tillman led the members 
to acquire a new site and erect the present edifice. In January of 
1925, the Reverend W.D. Carter was called to lead the congregation 
spiritually and complete an ambitious building, which stands today as a 
monument to the heritage of Pasadena's African American citizens.
  Since its ground breaking ceremony held in March of 1925, the 
Friendship Baptist Church has stood prominently for over 70 years as 
one of the visible landmark churches in Pasadena. It is the first 
African American related cultural landmark, recognized as a state of 
California landmark, and in 1978 was listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places in the United States of America.
  I consider it a great privilege to recognize Friendship Baptist 
Church for its 110 years of service to the people of Pasadena. I ask 
all Members to join me in wishing Friendship Baptist Church many more 
prolific years of service to the community.

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