[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 39 (Thursday, March 25, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    THE GREEN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I would like to take the 
opportunity to honor the 160th birthday of the Green Street Baptist 
Church in Louisville, KY.
  The Green Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest and most 
established African-American churches in Kentucky. It has served as a 
spiritual focal point for Louisville since it was founded as the Second 
African Baptist Church by nine slaves. On September 29, 1844 it was 
opened as the Green Street Baptist Church by pastor Brother George 
Wells.
  The Green Street Baptist Church is a historic place that has played a 
significant role for African-Americans in Louisville. The present 
church was built in 1930 by the noted African-American architect Samuel 
Plato. In August of 1967, with H.W. Jones as pastor, the church hosted 
a rally for voter registration led by Dr. Martin Luther King.
  As one of the U.S. Senators from Kentucky, I know how important a 
wonderful center like the Green Street Baptist Church can be to a 
community. One of the more prominent trustees and a treasurer of the 
church was a man named Ben Duke, who lived to be 100 years old. I have 
no doubt that his rewarding involvement with such a great organization 
like the Green Street Baptist Church contributed to his longevity.
  I congratulate the Green Street Baptist Church on this momentous 
occasion of its 160th anniversary. I hoe the church will continue to 
serve the Louisville community another 160 years and beyond.

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