[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE UNION MEMORIAL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 2007

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Union 
Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. 
On Sunday, January 28, the Union Memorial A.M.E. will be celebrating 
her 139th Anniversary.
  Since the church's original dedication in 1868, the first African 
Methodist Episcopal Church in the Twin Cities of Benton Harbor and St. 
Joseph has stood as a symbol of faith, hope, and compassion for the 
citizens of Berrien County and the surrounding area. Its 139 years of 
commitment have had a tremendous impact on its congregation as well as 
the greater community.
  The African Methodist Episcopal Church has had a proud history since 
starting in the home of Steven Busby in 1868. This small Christian 
assembly back then was known as the ``House of Praise.'' The area was 
home to two A.M.E. churches in the 1890s, and in 1901 the church in 
Benton Harbor was destroyed by a fire. The church was rebuilt and in 
1929 the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph churches united under the name 
Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1969 the church 
moved to its current location at Empire and Crystal A venues.
  In its 139 year history, the church has never wavered from the 
ministry of saving lost souls, preaching the gospel, feeding the 
hungry, helping the homeless, and reaching out and renewing the spirit 
of folks in need. I want to commend the members of Union Memorial 
African Methodist Episcopal on their anniversary and on their 
commitment in the future to serving the greater community.

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