[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 163 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2254-E2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO NEW EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today on behalf of 
New Ebenezer Baptist Church. This beacon of hope in Florence, South 
Carolina has provided faith and fellowship for its congregation for 100 
years.
  The rich history of this Florence religious institution began on 
August 5, 1907. The land for the church was donated by the late Deacon 
James Norwood, and New Ebenezer has stood on this same site for a 
century. In the early years, the church was served by Reverends A.J. 
Streater, Bass, T.T. Tucker, Sasser, and D.J. Johnson.
  In 1927, Reverend J.L. Brooks became the pastor of New Ebenezer and 
served as its spiritual leader until 1941. He was succeeded by Revered 
W.A. Johnson, who grew the church spiritually and financially. Under 
his leadership, the present block structure was constructed in 1949. 
Ten years later, Reverend E.D. Dixon took over the helm of the church 
and succeeded in increasing the membership and paying off the church's 
mortgage.
  Dr. John Julius Abney became the minister of New Ebenezer in 1963. He 
oversaw a tremendous time in the church's history. In his first year, a 
block hut was added to the church. His vision for the church's 
expansion was further realized with the addition of new properties and 
the expansion and renovation of the exterior and interior of the main 
sanctuary. These changes included the addition of a vestibule, the 
erection of the education building, the cornerstone laying for the main 
sanctuary, and renovations of the parsonage. It was in 1966, under Dr. 
Abney's leadership that the church received its first charter from the 
State designating it officially as New Ebenezer Baptist Church.
  Dr. Abney's tenure of extraordinary change was followed by the 
service of Dr. William Edward Chancy who also presided over significant 
growth of the church in both membership and its footprint. Under 
Reverend Chancy's oversight, properties adjacent to the church were 
purchased, the parking area was paved, and a new bus was purchased. 
Perhaps the largest growth in the ministry of the church came with the 
addition of a child care center on site.
  In 1981, Reverend Lewis P. Graham became the leader of the church in 
which he was raised. This son of the church led the congregation to 
install a new heating and air conditioning system, purchase a new piano 
and organ, and pay off the church bus.
  Leadership of New Ebenezer fell to the church's officers from 
December 1988 to October 1989, and they continued to improve the church 
and its surroundings. Under their leadership, the Missionary Department 
undertook the project of converting the ladies lounge into a church 
library. Deacon Hosea Quillen, Sr. and his son donated most of the 
labor for this effort. The church officers also erected a new steeple 
and installed a new roof on the main sanctuary. Aluminum siding and 
painting was done to the exterior of the sanctuary and education 
building.

  In October 1989, Reverend James E. Rutledge was called from East 
Orange, New Jersey to lead New Ebenezer. Under his leadership, Reverend 
Rutledge, new stained glass windows were installed, carpet was replaced 
and the choir loft was moved to the rear of the pulpit. The church was 
painted inside and out.
  In 1993, Reverend Norman Gamble was called to serve as pastor of New 
Ebenezer Baptist Church and remains its pastor today. His service has 
involved great changes at the

[[Page E2255]]

church. He has increased the membership, established an Education Fund, 
and purchased two minivans, video equipment and computers. Part of his 
legacy includes the videotaping of worship services and outreach 
ministries to help the church reach the broader community. This church 
has served as a source of spiritual strength and service to others 
throughout its long history. It is a fixture in the Florence community 
and has been an integral part of countless lives over the years.
  Madam Speaker, I commend Reverend Gamble and the congregation of New 
Ebenezer Baptist Church for their tremendous contributions to the faith 
community, and invite you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating New Ebenezer Baptist Church of Florence, South Carolina 
on its 100th anniversary.

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