[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the congregation 
of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on the 50th anniversary of their 
church. This congregation has served the Del Paso Heights neighborhood 
and Sacramento region since 1956. As members of the Mt. Olive 
Missionary Baptist congregation gather to celebrate 50 years of 
community service, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting 
this outstanding congregation.
  The Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church was founded in Del Paso 
Heights in February of 1956. The Church was established and organized 
by Reverend Je Petiway, Reverend Powell and Reverend Eddie Phillips. 
Reverend Mack Smith was the parish's first Pastor and the church became 
a member of the St. Johns District association. The church bought its 
current facility in October 1956 and became incorporated in 1959.
  Reverend White Henderson became Pastor in 1960 and took steps to 
greatly expand the church. Under his leadership a new edifice was 
constructed and a chapel was purchased and relocated to its current 
site. The church continued to expand in 1968 when Reverend Eugene 
Washington became Pastor. His leadership and guidance resulted in the 
construction of additional classrooms and a social hall.
  Throughout the history of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, the 
congregation has been dedicated to making a positive impact on the 
lives of Sacramento residents. The Church has always been a comforting 
place of refuge for people in need, providing assistance spiritually, 
mentally and physically. During the current tenure of Pastor 
Washington, the church has established numerous ministries in the 
Sacramento region. These outreach programs have included prison 
ministry, convalescent ministry, youth outreach and counseling 
programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly privileged to congratulate the congregation 
of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church as they gather to celebrate 
their 50th church anniversary. The Sacramento region has greatly 
benefited from having their strong community leadership and 
compassionate hearts. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me today 
in wishing Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church continued success and 
happiness in all future endeavors.

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