[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 41 (Friday, March 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PAYING TRIBUTE TO ``METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH'' ON THEIR 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 19, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise to congratulate Metropolitan Baptist Church as they join 
together in celebration of their 100th Anniversary. This momentous and 
joyous celebration will commence on March 21, 2010.
  Metropolitan has a very rich history that has given it life and 
longevity for the past 100 years. At a time when a systematic campaign 
had been started by area landlords to force African-Americans out of my 
beloved Harlem, the Metropolitan Baptist Church began with the merger 
of two churches: Zion Baptist Church pastured by the Reverend P.C. 
James, and Mercy Seat Baptist Church, pastured by Reverend Dr. N.S. 
Epps.
  The officers of both churches met at the home of Reverend Epps. At 
the meeting, it was decided that both church names be dropped. Trustee 
Robert L. Hill of the Mercy Seat Baptist Church suggested the name that 
would be carried on throughout its History, Metropolitan Baptist 
Church. A motion was made, carried and recorded, and that day, March 
12, 1912, the Metropolitan Baptist Church was started. Its first 
location was the Subway Church, home of the old Mercy Seat Baptist 
Church, on West 134th Street near the new 135th Street Subway station. 
The new church was led by Dr. Epps, its first pastor until 1914.
  In 1916, under the Rev. W.W. Brown, the church built the enormous 
Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle at West 138th Street. After the Baptist 
congregation bought the New York Presbyterian Church on West 128th 
Street in 1918, where it remains to this day, the Tabernacle became 
Liberty Hall. This was the focal point of Marcus Garcey's Back-to-
Africa movement, where the first convention was held in 1920 of the 
Universal Negro Improvement Association. Thousands were drawn to the 
elaborately ritualistic, almost religious, meetings at the hall.
  Since its inception, many Governors and Members of Congress from both 
the Democratic and Republican Party have visited the church to garner 
the support of its congregants. In 1994, Metropolitan Baptist Church, 
under the tutelage of Reverend John A. Smith, became a Triple Landmark, 
having earned Federal, City, and State landmark status.
  From its modest beginning, Metropolitan Baptist Church has emerged as 
a cornerstone of my beloved village of Harlem. Under the guidance of 
its 5th pastor, Reverend Bobbie McDaniel, Metropolitan continues to 
thrive, both in terms of spiritual growth as well as practical 
improvements. The proud members of the church are thankful for the 
spiritual and emotional leadership he and the previous pastors have 
provided during their 100 years.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring and congratulating Metropolitan Baptist Church on their 
historic 100th Anniversary. Their historic significance, constant 
dedication, and spiritual guidance is worthy of the highest 
commendation.

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