[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E192-E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    170TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AVENUE L MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN 
                            GALVESTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, February 28th marks the 170th anniversary of 
the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas. The Avenue 
L Missionary Baptist Church will commemorate this anniversary with a 
series of events through this month, including a grand parade and old 
fashioned picnic on February 20th.
  One of the oldest black churches in Texas, Avenue L Baptist is the 
mother church of African-American worship in the entire state of Texas. 
Texas Avenue L Baptist began as the Colored Baptist Church, a 
congregation organized by Reverend James Hutchinson to serve 
Galveston's slave population. In 1855, First Baptist trustees Gail 
Borden, Jr., John S. Sydnor, and Reverend Huckins purchased land from 
the Galveston City Company for use by the congregation of Colored 
Baptist's successor, the African Baptist Church. After the Civil War, 
the property was formally deeded to the African Baptist Church, who 
where reorganized under Reverend Israel S. Campbell as the First 
Regular Missionary Baptist Church in 1867. The church adopted the name 
Avenue L Missionary Baptist in 1903.
  In 1916, construction of the present brick church building commenced. 
Many fund-raising activities where undertaken by the people of 
Galveston to raise the funds for the church. The new structure included 
art glass windowpanes, a furnace to supply steam heat, and a baptizing 
pool. A pipe organ was installed in 1921. Reverend H.M. Williams spoke 
for all of his congregants when he said ``Our Church is a most 
beautiful one.'' Today, almost ninety years later, Avenue L Missionary 
Baptist remains a most beautiful church.
  In 1973 work began on renovations, including the additions of air-
conditioning, and central heating. In 1977, the Church's stained glass 
windows where refurbished and covered with a protective shield. 
Reverend R.E. McKeen, who served as pastor of Avenue L Missionary 
Baptist, during the renovation also began broadcasting sermons on local 
radio.
  Among the prominent pastors who have served at Avenue L Missionary 
Baptist Church are Reverend H.M. Williams, who served as moderator of 
the Lincoln District Baptist Association and led the rebuilding of the 
church after the hurricane of 1900 and the Reverend G.L. Price who 
served as President of the National Baptist Convention of American and 
the Mary Allen College. Reverend Andrew Walker Berry, who served as 
Pastor from 1985 to 1990 was a noted composer and prolific writer of 
prospectuses and pamphlets. Reverend Berry also has over 100 gospel 
songs published through his company ``Musico.''
  The Avenue L Missionary Baptists Church remains a pillar of the 
Galveston Community. Every Sunday hundreds gather in the church for 
services. In addition, Avenue L Missionary serves the Galveston 
community with a variety of missionaries including the Young Adult 
Christian League, the Logos Bible Class, Mid-week prayer and Bible 
study, the General Mission, Jr. Melodic Messengers, and the Young

[[Page E193]]

Adult Ushers. I am pleased to congratulate the Avenue L Missionary 
Baptist on its 140th anniversary, and wish for its continued success in 
serving the people of Galveston.

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