[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2303]]
    RECOGNIZING EAST MT. ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON ITS 180TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of East 
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on its 180th Anniversary.
  For the past 180 years, East Mt. Zion has continued to inspired 
people throughout the Northwest Florida area. The church has withstood 
the societal, geographical, and archeological changes that have 
occurred over its long history, thus authorizing its member's constant 
faith and enduring dedication.
  Opening amidst humble beginnings, East Mt. Zion was initially a 
rudimentary structure built out of logs. After fire destroyed the 
building, its members rebuilt the church with whatever materials were 
available. Logs from a nearby forest were used for the walls and slabs 
from a local sawmill were made into the pews. In the early twentieth 
century a more modern church was constructed. Services were held in 
that location until 1956, when the present church began construction. 
Since then, the congregation has continued to grow exponentially as 
worshippers throughout the Northwest Florida area travel to East Mt. 
Zion.
  Over the years, East Mt. Zion has served as a great source of 
inspiration for its members, who have always helped participate in the 
betterment of the church. Bake sales, quilt sales, and various other 
fundraisers were held by the members to raise costs for the various 
construction projects that the church has held over the years. Their 
enduring dedication serves as testimony to the excellence of East Mt. 
Zion and this milestone anniversary is evidence of the greatness the 
church has achieved.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize East Mt. Zion on this outstanding achievement.

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