[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING BEULAH HEIGHTS FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH ON THE CELEBRATION OF 
                          ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to one of the most respected houses of worship in the 
city of New Haven, Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church. This year 
marked the 80th anniversary of this tremendous church, throughout which 
time the leadership and its members have left an indelible mark on our 
community.
  Originally called the Beulah Heights Mission, the ministry was 
founded in 1923 by Walter and Rosa Andrews. In its humble beginnings, 
the church was located in a converted storefront and boasted a modest 
membership. Over the years and through the changes in leadership, the 
ministry steadily grew and eventually found a permanent home on Orchard 
Street. Over the course of its history, the Beulah Heights Pentecostal 
Church has developed a reputation as a leader in the religious 
community. Through its leadership and the commitment and enthusiasm of 
its membership, the Beulah Heights Church has made a real difference in 
the lives of many.
  Our churches play a vital role in our communities, providing people 
with a place to turn for comfort when they are most in need. By 
strengthening the bonds of faith, the Beulah Heights First Pentecostal 
Church gives its members a place to find their spiritual center and to 
solidify and support their values. The members of the Beulah Heights 
First Pentecostal Church have also given much to the city of New Haven. 
Throughout the years, as their membership grew, so did their commitment 
to the enrichment of our community, transforming neighborhoods one 
block at a time.
  Currently headed by Bishop Theodore Brooks, a man whom I am proud to 
call my friend, Beulah Heights Church has taken on a great mission of 
neighborhood revitalization. It has erected an educational wing which 
is utilized by the New Haven Board of Education for its Urban Youth 
Elementary School for troubled youth. Founded by Bishop Brooks in 1994, 
its development subsidiary, Beulah Land Development Corporation, is 
responsible for the construction of 20 units of affordable housing and 
12 units of supportive housing for senior citizens. Through these and 
other projects, they are bringing renewed security and stability to 
this neighborhood. I have every confidence that they will continue to 
do great things for the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven.
  In the last 8 decades, the Beulah Heights Pentecostal Church and its 
membership have made invaluable contributions of the city of New Haven, 
changing the face of our great city. I am proud to stand today and 
extend my very best wishes to them as they mark this milestone in their 
history.
  Happy 80th anniversary!

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