[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JACKSON'S 170TH ANNIVERSARY

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                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, on May 4, 2008, First Baptist Church of 
Jackson, Mississippi will celebrate its 170th anniversary. First 
Baptist Church of Jackson has a rich history and has grown immensely in 
size over the years, not only in members but in its outreach to the 
community through different ministries.
  When the church was founded in 1838, Jackson was a 16 year old 
village with less than 600 people and was struggling to become the 
permanent seat of state government. Although the early years of the 
church proved difficult with an economic depression, a yellow fever 
epidemic, and the Civil War, the church still grew strong in its 
relationship to God and continued to reach out to others in the name of 
Jesus Christ.
  God has blessed First Baptist Church of Jackson because on May 4, the 
church stands 170 years old and occupies a 750,000 square foot facility 
in downtown Jackson. It also includes a sanctuary that seats 3,000; a 
chapel; two fellowship halls; a Christian Life Center with two 
regulation basketball courts; rock climbing wall; racquetball court; 
walking track; fitness facilities; and a fully staffed counseling 
center. Currently, they have a weekly television broadcast of their 
Sunday service that covers much of Mississippi as well as a national 
broadcast on Direct TV. In 2006, First Baptist Church of Jackson 
established a Madison Campus that has 200 active members today.
  First Baptist Church has centered its ministries on connecting people 
to God through faith in Jesus Christ so that their lives can be 
transformed into passionate followers of Christ. Today, ministries of 
the church include an inner-city ministry that has a medical clinic, 
dental clinic, and legal clinic as well as after school programs for 
children. Other ministries include help for women recently released 
from prison and a ministry for international citizens from over 26 
countries that teaches them English and assists them in adjusting to 
life in America. Last year, First Baptist sent hundreds of members 
across America and throughout the world to build homes and churches, 
provide medical and dental care, and spread the love of God.
  Madam Speaker, I hope the Congress joins me in celebrating with First 
Baptist Church of Jackson. For 170 years, the church has served out its 
battle cry, ``Connecting People, Transforming Lives into Passionate 
Followers of Jesus Christ.'' This momentous occasion is a true 
testament of the service, commitment, love, and foundation this church 
is built upon. May the Lord continue to bless First Baptist in the 
years to come.

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