[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF GILLESPIE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of Gillespie Avenue Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  Gillespie Avenue Baptist Church was established on August 4, 1907. 
The church's first meeting was held in a tent at the site where the 
church is today. Reverend F.M. Doewell was the first pastor called in 
September, 1907. He was one of only 15 pastors called to serve over 
this first 100 years.
  On July 1, 1910, the membership began worship services in the 
basement of the new meeting house with Dr. M.D. Jeffries, President of 
Carson Newman College, preaching the first sermon in the new building.
  On May 7, 1916, the church auditorium was completed and dedicated and 
a piano was approved and purchased later that same year for the church.
  On January 7, 1917, the church voted to borrow money to pay the 
pastor's salary. The finance report at that time showed a balance of 
$.16. Eight years later, the enrollment was 426 with an average 
attendance of 263 and the average Sunday offering was $65.89.
  On October 12, 1938, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rose donated a pipe organ to 
the church in honor of their parents.
  The original church building was destroyed by fire on January 22, 
1961. Services were held in the new sanctuary on September 2, 1962, 
where they remain today.
  I am proud to have such an outstanding Christian institution in my 
district.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Gillespie Avenue Baptist 
Church on its 100th anniversary and may God bless this congregation in 
the years to come.

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