[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Metropolitan Baptist 
Church in Altadena, California. Metropolitan Baptist Church is one of 
the oldest congregations in the Altadena/Pasadena area and will 
celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to the community this month.
  Founded on June 6, 1906 by Reverend J.D. Bushnell and 13 members, the 
church was located at 134 Waverly Drive in Pasadena. In 1911, the 
cornerstone was laid and articles of incorporation were filed with the 
Secretary of State. For many years, the church was located in Pasadena 
on Waverly and Bellevue Drive and then on Mentone and Claremont 
Streets. About 40 years ago, Metropolitan Baptist Church built their 
current church on N. Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena.
  Some of the programs that the church established over the last 
century include Music Ministry, Home Mission Society, Young People's 
Union, Mother's Board, Day Nursery, a Boy Scout Troop, Young Adult 
Choir, Bible Study, Children's Church, Prayer Warriors, Prayer Line, 
Hospitality Ministry, Senior Citizen Luncheon, and Health Fair.
  In 1990, Reverend Tyrone Skinner began his tenure with Metropolitan 
Baptist Church. Reverend Skinner has been instrumental in establishing 
many new ministries, such as Praise Team, Praise Dancers, Petals 
Ministry, 40 Stomp Team, and Mass Choir within the church, as well as 
establishing the Metropolitan Community Action Services Corporation. 
The church also serves the community by feeding and clothing the 
homeless at Union Station, and the Pantry and Covered Dish Ministries.
  Metropolitan Baptist Church is a place where the community at large 
is warmly welcomed. Many local religious, educational, and civic 
groups, such as the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the 
NAACP, and the Pasadena Association of African American Educators use 
the facilities. In addition, the Young African American Male Conference 
and numerous community events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. are held 
at Metropolitan Baptist Church.
  It is my great honor to recognize Metropolitan Baptist Church upon 
its 100 years of ministry to the people of Altadena and Pasadena. I ask 
all Members to join me in wishing Metropolitan Baptist Church many more 
fruitful years of service to the community.

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