[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAE EDWARDS MEMORIAL UNITED 
                            METHODIST CHURCH

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
125th Anniversary of Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church in 
Milton, Florida. Mae Edwards Memorial has long been a positive force in 
Northwest Florida, and I am proud to honor their tremendous 
contributions to the community.
  Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist was started in 1884 on the 
Andrew Jackson Brown property. Since there were no other churches in 
the local community, all of the families moving to the area attended 
the same church regardless of denomination. In 1916, a new community 
church was constructed and used by members of the Methodist, Baptist, 
Presbyterian and Christian churches. During this time, Mae and Cliff 
Edwards moved to the area and joined the church. After their passing, 
the church was named as a memorial to Mae Edwards, who dedicated her 
time and her effort to the church's progress and spiritual growth.
  In 1936, the old church building was torn down, and wood from the 
building was used to construct a community hall and church alongside 
the local school. Church services were originally held in the community 
hall, but later moved inside the school after it was renovated. The old 
hall was converted into a kitchen, social area, and classrooms. The 
church continues to grow and serve the community, and in 2001, Mae 
Edwards Memorial was named the small membership church of the year for 
the Pensacola District. In a testament to the church's strength, many 
of the current members are descendants of the original church founders.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor Mae Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church upon 
125 years of dedicated service to our community. My wife Vicki and I 
wish the best for continued growth and service to Reverend Byrd Mapoles 
and the entire church family.

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