[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND MORNING STAR MISSIONARY 
                             BAPTIST CHURCH

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Second 
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Attapulgus, Georgia, which 
for the past 130 years, has been a beacon of hope and a sacred place of 
worship for many in the Second Congressional District.
  According to a warranty deed dated February 11, 1878, Second Morning 
Star Missionary Baptist Church has existed at approximately the same 
location since its founding. In addition to providing a place of 
worship, the site also served as a school house for African-American 
children in the community at the beginning of the 20th century--an 
invaluable resource at a time in our Nation's history when education 
for African-Americans was a rare thing.
  Building of the current structure was completed in 1956, under the 
Reverend J.L. Wingfield, a faithful servant of God and one of the 
church's thirteen pastors during its long and venerable history. The 
longest-serving pastor, Reverend C.D. Hammonds, served Christ, his 
community and the church for thirty wonderful years. The church's 
current pastor, Reverend Randall Hines, is in his seventh year and has 
overseen a large amount of growth, as well as an expansion of the 
sanctuary.
  Second Morning Star now has worship services every Sunday, and is 
able to spread the word with the glorious sound of four choirs, 
Christian education classes for new members, and different ministries 
which serve every sector of the congregation.
  Madam Speaker, it indeed is an honor and a privilege to know this 
church is in my district. I am proud to be able to serve Second Morning 
Star Church, and wish its members many more years of blessed service to 
their Lord and community.




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