[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 35 (Thursday, March 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRUELIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Truelight Baptist 
Church in East St. Louis, Illinois.
  In 1910, a small congregation was formed under the leadership of the 
Reverend James Alfred Lampley. This was the founding of Truelight 
Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois. Serving with Pastor Lampley 
as the original church officers were Deacons John Wright and Charles 
King, Clerk Mary King, and Treasurer Frank Settles.
  Originally located at 14th Street and Baker Avenue, Truelight Baptist 
Church would move several times as the requirements and size of the 
congregation grew, while always staying within the same East St. Louis 
neighborhood. When the current, brick church at 1535 Tudor Avenue was 
under construction, the congregation met for a time at the funeral home 
of one of its members. When the first floor of the church was 
completed, the congregation marched from the funeral home to the new 
church building.
  Upon the death of founding Pastor Lampley in 1956, Reverend Henry 
Nicholson was chosen as pastor at the very young age of 23. Pastor 
Nicholson continues to serve as pastor to this day. It is a rare 
blessing that Truelight Baptist Church has had only two pastors in its 
100 year history.
  Truelight Baptist Church has grown and expanded since its humble 
beginnings. Several parishioners have moved but continue to return for 
services. The congregation has started several ministries and has 
developed an active participation in social, political and educational 
issues while remaining rooted in its spiritual foundation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th 
Anniversary of Truelight Baptist Church and to wish the congregation 
the best for many years to come.

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