[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ROCK SPRINGS CHURCH

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, today I would like to pay 
tribute to a very special group of people in my home State who will 
soon celebrate an important 1-year anniversary.
  Deep in the heart of Georgia, right in the middle of my former House 
district, a small Congregational Methodist Church has been ministering 
to the people in their community for more than 150 years. This small 
town church is making a big difference in many lives across my State. 
Since 1852, this group of Christians has faithfully gathered each 
Sunday in the halls of a humble church building to worship God and seek 
His guidance for their lives.
  It is clear that God has heard and answered their prayers. One year 
ago, under the leadership of my good friend of Dr. Benny Tate, Rock 
Springs Church in Milner opened the doors to their new sanctuary--a 
room that seats more than double that of the previous sanctuary. The 
new sanctuary has equipped this thriving church with the tools they 
need to minister to even more folks than ever in the long life of this 
church.
  I am personally encouraged by the dedication of this congregation to 
do whatever it takes to see that they could provide a place of worship 
for the growing number of people attending Sunday services.
  As the son of a minister, I spent my youth traveling across the 
southeast, as my dad served in the Episcopal Church. I know first hand 
the challenges of church leadership and the joys of seeing God answer 
prayers.
  Dr. Tate, known by his friends as Pastor Benny, has demonstrated 
remarkable vision and direction as the head pastor of Rock Springs 
Church. My wife Julianne and I have had the opportunity to attend Rock 
Springs Church as Pastor Benny's guests on ``Friend Day'' and the 
parishioners there always make us feel welcome.
  I am proud to recognize my friends at Rock Springs Church in 
celebration of this momentous occasion and encourage each new member to 
reflect on the offerings and sacrifice on the part of those faithful 
few who helped make this new sanctuary a reality.

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