[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING LAKE PROVIDENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 140TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. COOPER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Lake Providence 
Missionary Baptist Church and offer my heartfelt congratulations on its 
140th anniversary.
  Founded in 1868, five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the 
first members of the congregation were former slaves and their 
children, who worshiped together on former slave plantations. These 
faithful few endured many hardships, yet the congregation flourished 
under the guidance of their first pastor, Rev. Larry A. Thompson. Lake 
Providence Missionary Baptist Church grew from a scattering of 
plantations, establishing a permanent structure and soon becoming a 
beacon for the surrounding community.
  Over the past 140 years, Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church 
has seen over 20 pastors. Currently, Rev. H. Bruce Maxwell serves as 
pastor of the church, which has grown under each successive pastor. 
Today, the sanctuary seats over 3,700. Lake Providence Missionary 
Baptist now houses a range of ministries, offering programs for youth, 
young adults, and senior citizens. In the community it promotes health 
awareness, runs a prison ministry and offers bereavement assistance and 
counseling. Lake Providence Missionary Baptist stands firm in its 
vision to touch all citizens, no matter their age.
  Madam Speaker, I join everyone in Tennessee's Fifth District in 
applauding Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church. I ask my 
colleagues in the 110th Congress to join me in commending the church 
for continuing to shape the lives of the Nashville community and 
serving as a vital link in Nashville's history.

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