[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 20 (Monday, February 2, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             140TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MARK'S A.M.E. CHURCH

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I wish to honor St. Mark's A.M.E. 
Church, which has been a part of Milwaukee's faith community for 140 
years and serves as a shining example for the entire State of 
Wisconsin.
  In 1869, eight eager Christian men and women envisioned a ``Church of 
Allen.'' This church would uphold the ideals of Richard Allen, a freed 
slave who became the first free African to be ordained in the Methodist 
Church. The church's eight founders were led by Ezekiel Gillespie, a 
prominent figure involved in the Underground Railroad and the fight for 
suffrage for African-Americans in Wisconsin. The founding members 
became an official congregation on April 5, 1869, but the church was 
still missing a building to call home.
  Within 2 months, a plot of land was purchased and the church embraced 
its new house of worship. Unfortunately, expenses mounted for nearly a 
decade and the founders were forced to sell a portion of their land in 
order to cover the debt. After a city condemnation required the razing 
of St. Mark's original church, both the clergy and laity insisted that 
a new edifice be erected in its place. In 1887, they began construction 
of a church which would last into the 20th century.
  As the city of Milwaukee continued to grow and thrive, so too did the 
membership of St. Mark's. The increase in size prompted the creation of 
new churches in 1914 and again in 1953. After the Milwaukee 
Redevelopment Program of the 1960s, the construction of a highway 
ushered in the demolition of their 1953 structure. The congregation 
grew only stronger and its current church truly represents its lasting 
success.
  Given the moniker, ``The Friendly Church,'' St. Mark's has 
continually proven both its friendliness and its faith within 
Milwaukee. St. Mark's A.M.E. Church holds a special place in our 
State's history as Wisconsin's oldest African-American chartered 
church. St. Mark's leaders and parishioners have stalwartly defended 
their home and shared their devotion with our Milwaukee community, and 
this historic church will continue to thrive in the future. On this 
occasion of St. Mark's 140th anniversary, I want to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations.

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