[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO NEW A.M.E. ZION CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding religious institution, New A.M.E. Zion 
Church in Paterson, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 60th 
Anniversary of dedicated service to its parishioners, and by extension, 
the greater community.
  It is only fitting that New A.M.E. Zion Church be honored in this, 
the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for the 
spiritual home it has provided to American families, and its dedication 
to the entire community that helps keep this deeply rooted congregation 
growing towards the future.
  The New A.M.E. Zion Church was organized at the home of Mrs. Augusta 
McCormick, on Fair Street in Paterson in May 1949. The first service as 
a Church was held on the first Sunday of June 1949 with 69 members. The 
Rev. Frank Thomas Roberts was founder of the Church, and he inspired 
the members to make it into a thriving faith community. With the 
financial support of Mr. John Spencer, Mrs. Florence Spencer, Mr. 
Robert Robertson, and Mrs. Elnora Tourse, a building located at 140 
Lawrence Place was purchased to serve as a place of worship.
  Rev. Roberts served as pastor until he was reassigned, and Rev. M.R. 
Cuthbertson was the second pastor. He brought many young people into 
the Church. He was followed by Rev. J.O. Fountain, and the Rev. Wesley 
Brown, who began in 1957. Numerous new programs were started and the 
first organ was purchased in addition to the first parsonage. Rev. 
Brown organized a building fund, but instead of building a church they 
purchased the former Holy Cross Polish National Church, at 153 Lawrence 
Place. This has been the home of New A.M.E. Zion since 1965. The first 
service was held there in May and Presiding Bishop William H. Smith 
formally dedicated it in December of that year. Rev. Brown served until 
his health declined and Rev. Wallace Lee was assigned. The Church 
continued to prosper under his leadership. The next pastor was Rev. Dr. 
Albert J. White, who was assigned in 1976. During his 24 years as 
pastor, membership grew and many capital improvements were made. A food 
pantry was started, as well as a summer free lunch program for children 
in the community and outreach programs for the youth and their 
families. When Dr. White retired, Rev. Wayne Harris was assigned for a 
few months, until Rev. Robert C. Russell, who currently still serves as 
pastor, was assigned.
  The New A.M.E. Zion Church currently has many ministries, including 
Music, Prayer Band, Youth, Health Awareness, Food Pantry, and Van 
Transportation. Scholarship Fund Committee, Summer Reading, Sunday 
School, Prayer Meeting, Bible Study and Christian Development are all 
offered.
  Each of the pastors, with the assistance of the other ministers, 
bishops, and presiding elders as well as the membership, has helped to 
keep the Church growing and strengthening throughout the last six 
decades. I am certain that New A.M.E. Zion Church will continue to 
thrive and to help to better the surrounding community as it moves into 
the next chapter in its history.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of wonderful, thriving faith communities like New A.M.E. Zion 
Church.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the members and clergy of 
New A.M.E. Zion Church, all those whose faith has been enriched 
throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding 
contributions of New A.M.E. Zion Church to the community and beyond.

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