[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONGREGATION OF THE ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 
                  FOR ITS DEDICATION TO OUR COMMUNITY

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                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2009

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the St. John 
Missionary Baptist Church congregation on the recent dedication of its 
rebuilt church, restored following a fire that tragically destroyed the 
building shortly after the church's 100th anniversary celebration in 
January of 2006.
  At the beginning of the 20th century a group of men and women, former 
slaves and sons and daughters of slaves, began to congregate and 
conduct church services in Haywood County, Tennessee, which I am 
honored to represent in this chamber. The first church building of St. 
John Missionary Baptist Church was a small log building erected on land 
given to the congregation by Deacon Charlie Wilkerson and was known as 
simply St. John's ``across the river.''
  On November 16, 1904, papers were drawn up to purchase 33 acres of 
land from W.H. Ford approximately one and a half miles from Dancyville, 
Tennessee. The deed was filed on January 20, 1906, with the church 
paying $425 for the land. Marion Sweet and William Graves served as 
master carpenters for the new structure, and they, along with the 
tireless effort of countless others, laid the foundation and built a 
frame structure that served as a place of worship for numerous years.
  Throughout the 20th century, the congregation continued to grow in 
number as well as in presence within West Tennessee and became known 
throughout the area for its leadership, dedication to God and love of 
fellow man. The congregation continued to improve the structure of St. 
John Missionary Baptist Church with expanding facilities to aid in 
worship and assist with the growing number of congregants. The frame 
church was bricked in the late 1950's with additions and renovations 
through the latter portion of the 20th century.
  Tragedy struck on September 20, 2006, when the building was destroyed 
by fire. Undeterred, the congregation held meetings at Raul's Funeral 
Home in Brownsville and soon began the process of rebuilding their 
historic church.
  The congregation's ability to rebuild the church is both a testament 
to their dedication to worship as well as their commitment to what the 
church has represented to our community for more than 100 years. From 
their humble beginnings in a small log church building near the corner 
of Highway 76 South and the Qualls Road intersection to the beautiful 
church they have just restored, St. John Missionary Baptist Church has 
served as a symbol of hope, faith and devotion. We know that tradition 
will continue under the leadership of my friend and an outstanding 
public servant, Reverend Johnny W. Shaw.
  Madam Speaker, we hope you and our colleagues will join me as we 
congratulate the St. John Missionary Baptist Church on the dedication 
of its new church, and thank members of the congregation for all they 
do to help West Tennessee.

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