[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of New Life Baptist Church in 
Brooklyn, New York in commemoration of its 50th anniversary and 
spiritual and community leadership.
  God placed a vision for New Life Baptist Church on the heart of E.F. 
Jacobs and Mother Martha Jacobs, and on February 7, 1954, the church 
began its mission at 214 Howard Avenue. The first members were sister 
Gladys Blackman, Sister Delores Hite, Sister Mae G. Mills Mazyck and 
Sister Geneva Wonsley. They received letters from Pilgrim Baptist 
Church to become members. Temporary officers were Rev. E.F. Jacobs, 
moderator and Sister Gladys Blackman as church clerk. These members 
were extended the right hand of fellowship by the Council on September 
17, 1954 making them the New Life Baptist Church.
  Pastor Jacobs adopted the motto: Lift up Jesus and give the devil 
battle. Under his continued leadership, the church continued to thrive. 
In 1962, God blessed its members with a new home for the church at 931 
Dumont Ave in Brooklyn.
  In 1967, Rev. Holness came to work with us. On December 30, 1968, the 
church elected Rev. Clifford L. Johnson as its assistant pastor. On May 
8, 1973, Brother Marshall Rowe received the call to the ministry and 
was the first minister to receive a license to preach by New Life. He 
was followed by Rev. Melvin Ward, who was elected to serve as the 
second pastor of New Life on May 1, 1978. In the summer of 1983, New 
Life mothered its first church, Victory Baptist Church.
  On October 24, 1983, Rev. John H. Marshall was elected as the third 
pastor of New Life. Under his leadership, the church has received many 
blessings. Sister Carolyn Plaines preached her trial sermon and on 
August 18, 1991 was licensed to preach the gospel. In April 2, 1995, 
Brother Akin Royall also preached his trial sermon and received his 
license to preach the gospel. With Rev. Marshall's guidance, the church 
also improved the church's physical surroundings. It built a new 
sanctuary, holding its first baptism there on October 5, 1996. Three 
years later, the church renovated its fellowship hall, kitchen and 
bathroom and officially dedicated its new sanctuary.
  New Life also conducts several community outreach programs including 
the Annual Vacation Bible School event, clothing and food give-outs and 
in 2001 it assisted with the ``Feed the Children'' campaign, which 
provided food for more than 2500 families in the community. New Life 
also undertakes a ``Back to Christ Crusade'' each year that draws 
community participation.
  Mr. Speaker, New Life Baptist Church has been a source of community 
and spiritual leadership in Brooklyn for 50 years. As such, it is more 
than worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues 
to join me in honoring this truly remarkable congregation.




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