[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING SAINT JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint John Missionary 
Baptist Church, one of the oldest and most highly regarded churches in 
Oakland, California. Today, the Oakland community comes together to 
celebrate Saint John's 60 years of ministry and invaluable service to 
the community.
  Saint John Missionary Baptist Church was founded by the late Dr. Carl 
J. Anderson on July 7, 1947. For 54 years, Dr. Anderson led an 
extensive outreach effort to thousands of sick, disadvantaged and 
imprisoned persons.

[[Page E986]]

His love for God and humanity impacted the lives of many from 
Washington, DC, to the West Coast and Alaska as he led his membership 
in feeding and clothing those in need, and assisting in the employment 
of thousands.
  During the Vietnam War, church members even received testimony from 
soldiers stationed abroad whose loved ones has sent them tapes of Dr. 
Anderson's famous Gospel Call Hour radio broadcast. They expressed 
gratitude for the encouragement they gotten from those broadcasts, 
during which Dr. Anderson and the members of the Saint John Missionary 
Baptist Church would pray for anyone requesting prayer, regardless of 
race, ethnicity or creed.
  On September 1, 2000, Dr. Anderson was called home after his many 
years of service and ministry. Today Saint John Missionary Baptist 
Church continues this proud tradition of under the spirited and 
inspired leadership of Reverend Gregory B. Payton.
  Saint John Missionary Baptist Church continues to play a leading role 
in initiating and expanding a wide range of charitable and community-
building activities. In addition to ministering and counseling 
countless members of the congregation, the church regularly hosts a 
variety of community gospel events and seeks to promote the development 
and education of our young people.
  On July 7, 2007, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate 
its 60th anniversary in Oakland, California. I would like to mark this 
occasion by commending the church for the exceptional service it has 
provided to the community not only in its capacity as an institution of 
faith and worship, but also as a leader in working to provide 
invaluable social and charitable services to the people of Oakland. By 
remaining committed to the areas of leadership and service throughout 
its 60 years of ministry, the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church has 
contributed enormously not only to the Oakland community, but also to 
our shared goal of world peace.

                          ____________________