[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GARY 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and 
sincerity that I take this time to congratulate First Baptist Church of 
Gary, Indiana, as they join together in celebration of their 100th 
anniversary. The church, which has seen tremendous growth and progress 
since its humble beginning, will be celebrating this exceptional 
milestone with festivities beginning on Friday, June 6, and continuing 
through Sunday, June 8, 2008. The theme for this extraordinary event is 
``Anchored in Faith: Yesterday, Today, and Forever.''
  The celebration of First Baptist Church's 100th anniversary, 
``Dedicated to the Glory of God and the Service of Man,'' will begin on 
Friday, June 6, 2008, with a banquet at the Genesis Convention Center 
in Gary, Indiana, and will continue on Saturday, June 7, with a 
community event featuring vendors, a petting zoo, and a museum 
dedicated to the history of the church. Finally, on Sunday, June 8, a 
very special worship service will take place, followed by a musical 
concert featuring the First Baptist choirs, former musicians and 
soloists, and other special guests.
  From its modest beginnings, First Baptist Church has emerged as a 
pillar of the Gary community. Although First Baptist, the oldest 
African-American congregation in the City of Gary, has seen immense 
growth, not only in the size of its congregation but also in the depth 
of the services and programs available to its members, the clergy and 
congregation have remained dedicated to the fundamental ideal of 
serving God by serving each other.
  Only 2 years after the City of Gary, Indiana, was founded, three 
individuals, Raymond Rankins, Samuel Duncan, and Samuel Clay, realizing 
the need for a church of their own in Gary, called upon Dr. Elijah John 
Fisher, pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in Chicago, for assistance in 
making this dream a reality. Through their efforts, First Baptist 
emerged in Gary, with the first services being held in the home of Mr. 
Rankins. Soon after, membership in the church began to increase, and 
the first house of worship was constructed at 1617 Washington Street in 
Gary. After various reconstructions and relocations First Baptist 
finally settled in its current location at 626 West 21st Avenue in 
1955, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Robert E. Penn, who 
served as pastor for more than 20 years. During his tenure, Reverend 
Penn was focused on being involved in the community, resulting in the 
creation of a foreign missionary project, a college scholarship fund, 
and a housing development program. Reverend Penn's vision has continued 
through today, and he continues to resonate as a shining example of 
selfless service and unwavering commitment to the community.
  Since taking over as pastor on March 30, 1996, the Reverend Dr. 
Bennie T. Henson, Sr., has continued to spearhead projects aimed at 
improving not only the church but the community as well. Under Reverend 
Henson's direction, the Images of Hope initiative was created, which is 
designed to improve the human condition of the needy and underserved 
people of Gary. During his tenure, the congregation of First Baptist 
also witnessed the emergence of Saturday Night Alive, an alternative 
worship service, and Friday Night Out, a community movie night. In 
addition, numerous advances have been made during this time in the area 
of technology, allowing the congregation and the community access to 
First Baptist Church via the Internet.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the Reverend Dr. Bennie T. 
Henson, Sr., and First Baptist Church of Gary on their 100th 
anniversary. Throughout the years, the clergy and members of First 
Baptist Church have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality and 
guidance through their service to their community. Their constant 
dedication and commitment is worthy of our deepest admiration.

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