[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 77 (Thursday, June 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MOUNT PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2006

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the historic 
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina as it 
celebrates its 153rd anniversary on June 25, 2006. Mount Pisgah has 
been a beacon in times of joy and sorrow for the Orangeburg community, 
and I congratulate Reverend D. Edward Chaney and his congregation on 
this significant milestone in the life of the church.
  Mount Pisgah Baptist Church began as a gathering of a small group of 
Christian slaves in 1863. Two years later, this group broke off from 
the First Baptist Church in Orangeburg. They called their new church 
Sunny Side Baptist. By 1868, the congregation had grown to fifty 
members, and two years later they changed the name to Mount Pisgah 
Baptist Church. The renamed church began to grow in size and its 
ministry. By 1877, Mount Pisgah boasted a congregation of 283 members.
  The 20th century was momentous in the life of Mount Pisgah. 
Remarkably from 1901 until 2000, the church had only three pastors. 
Reverend Nelson Nix presided over the congregation from 1900-1945. 
During his ministry, the first church building burned in 1902. However, 
Reverend Nix and the congregation rebuilt the structure that is still 
in use today.
  Reverend John D. Rhodes served as Mount Pisgah's pastor from 1945-
1968, and was followed by Reverend F.G.S. Everett who led the 
congregation from 1969-2001. During Reverend Everett's distinguished 
service, Mount Pisgah was listed on the Registry of Historical Places.
  Today, Reverend Chaney presides over a dynamic church that is among 
the oldest in Orangeburg and South Carolina. The church has added a 
multipurpose education complex, and more property has been acquired for 
future expansion. Due to the enormous growth in the church, Reverend 
Chaney has initiated a Million Dollar Capital Campaign for church 
improvements and new construction.
  Mount Pisgah currently has 17 ministries that include an outreach 
radio broadcast that reaches far beyond Orangeburg County into 
neighboring Calhoun, Colleton, and Dorchester counties. The church is 
also renowned for its music ministry that performs inspired Christmas 
and Easter concerts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church on its 153rd anniversary. This vibrant 
church has contributed to the rich history of Orangeburg and South 
Carolina, and I offer my congratulations and wish Mount Pisgah 
continued success and Godspeed!

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