[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          100TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

 Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure today to 
congratulate the Union Missionary Baptist Church on its 100th 
anniversary. This wonderful church was the first African-American 
Baptist church in Lansing, established by a small group of worshippers 
meeting in a living room. In 2001, the congregation built a Family Life 
Center, which ministers to the community with classrooms, a computer 
lab, a chapel, a prayer garden, and a commercial kitchen. The 
congregation today consists of over 700 members.
  The church has been blessed by excellent leadership over the years. 
The first pastor was Rev. H.C. Randolph, who was succeeded by many 
other distinguished pastors over the years, including Rev. G.W. Carr, 
Rev. J.G. Bruce, Rev. S.L. Johnson, Rev. Norris Jackson, Rev. Joel L. 
King (uncle of Dr. Martin Luther King), Rev. Charles J. Patterson, and 
the current pastor, a wonderful leader and a dear friend, Rev. Melvin 
T. Jones.
  Throughout its great history, Union Missionary Baptist Church has 
enriched the lives of thousands of people who have come through its 
doors to worship. It has been my privilege to work with Reverend Jones 
over the years. He and his church truly reflect what Paul urged of the 
Galatians: ``Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good 
of all.'' I congratulate Reverend Jones and the congregation, and I 
look forward to participating in the church's centennial 
celebrations.

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