[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     MOUNT ZION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORRISTOWN, 
                              PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Zion African 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Norristown, Pennsylvania for its 176th 
anniversary celebration.
  The first gathering of this congregation was held in 1830 in a small 
building on the corner of Airy and Walnut Streets. Under the influence 
of Richard Allen, the Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal 
Church, more and more individuals began to become members. However, the 
members had to meet in local homes and businesses and were not 
officially recognized as a church body until 1832.
  In 1832, the congregation officially organized and adopted the name 
Mount Zion, a name derived from highest point in the City of Jerusalem. 
A more modern interpretation of the name refers to one's ``spiritual 
homeland'' or ``safe haven''. The name Mount Zion appropriately applies 
to the congregation because many of its earliest members from 1832 to 
1845 fled to Canada to escape slavery and oppression. A large majority 
of the original members returned in 1845 with great determination and 
courage to acquire and build their very own spiritual safe haven. 
Adversary seemed to later follow the congregation and the Church lost 
many of its buildings, funds, and records through a series of improper 
transactions.
  However, the congregation never lost faith and one member, Mother 
Caroline Lewis, supplied the funds necessary to secure the Basin Street 
Church property. On May 20, 1867, the Church was granted its charter 
under the name Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Norristown.
  The Church has provided the Borough of Norristown outstanding 
spiritual, communal, and political leadership ever since. The Church 
was often used as a school, safe house, and shelter and it moved 
current location in 1915.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mount 
Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Norristown, Pennsylvania on 
its 176 years of history, heritage, and community leadership.

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