[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2525-E2526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FENIMORE STREET UNITED 
                            METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 120th 
anniversary of the Fenimore Street United Methodist Church located in 
Flatbush, Brooklyn.
  Fenimore Street Methodist Church was incorporated on August 20th 1889 
and admitted into the New York East Conference in April 1890 with Rev. 
James L. Hall as its first pastor.
  Over the years, Fenimore has served the people of Brooklyn as not 
only a house of worship, but as a pillar of the community. As the 
neighborhood changed, so did church patronage which culminated in 1968 
with Rev. William J. Smart becoming Fenimore's first black minister. In 
the tradition of firsts, in 2002, Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon was named 
Fenimore's first female minister.
  Fenimore Street Methodist Church has undergone many renovations and 
weathered many challenges under the steadfast leadership of its 
pastors. Providing such services as the summer camp for neighborhood 
children

[[Page E2526]]

and remaining a pillar of support for those who have fallen on hard 
times are just some of the ways in which Fenimore has served Brooklyn 
over the years.
  Madam Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge the very distinguished pastors 
that have poured their heart and soul into Fenimore Street United 
Methodist Church. They include: Revs. James L. Hall; C.S. Willisams; 
J.S. Bell; C.A. Knesai; H.E. Kiley; G.W. Osman; L.H. Caswell; W.G. 
Griffin; G.L. Thompson; C.C. Coile; E.J. Marvin; H.C. Whitney; Arthur 
C. Brown; James Link; John S. Smith; Dr. W.C. Sainsbury; Ward J. 
Kemenway; James Veatch; Maron Cox; William Smartt; Randolph Fisher; 
Alfred Harper; Lester Baker; Dr. Neville Buchanan; Dr. Ivan J. Roberts 
and Dr. Maxine Nixon.
  Again I'd like to congratulate and thank Fenimore Street United 
Methodist on 120 years of service to Brooklyn.

                          ____________________