[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF NEW BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 85TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Bethel 
Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its 85th Anniversary. As a 
Member of Congress it is both my honor and privilege to recognize and 
congratulate Reverend Keyon Payton and the congregation for reaching 
this most impressive milestone.
  New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was founded on June 21, 1925 as 
an institution rooted in spiritual fellowship and service to the 
Pontiac community. From its inception, with 27 founding families and 
under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Conyers, New Bethel found its 
first home at 175 Branch Street, and became a beacon on a hill shinning 
down upon the Pontiac community as a symbol of faith and fellowship. 
The passion of New Bethel's leaders has forever been a core strength of 
the Church. According to New Bethel history, Reverend William Bell sold 
his own car and took the bus to deliver his sermons every week, so that 
the Church could repair and expand their aging facilities. This 
selfless act is one example of the deep devotion of New Bethel's 
congregation and leadership to the Church's mission. New Bethel's 
community-minded focus, first fully realized under the leadership of 
Reverend Amos Johnson, drove the Church to become a ``Family Center,'' 
a pillar of charity and service in the Pontiac community.
  Under New Bethel's current leader, Pastor Keyon Payton, the Church 
has continued to prosper and expand upon its goals to join the Pontiac 
community in spiritual fellowship and community service. Through 
execution of Pastor Payton's bold vision, New Bethel reached out to 
several of its neighboring congregations in collaboration to create 
Camp Hosanna, a day camp for youth that provides them with a safe and 
secure environment to explore all realms of education. Pastor Payton 
has also been the driving force behind many new community-based 
programs which New Bethel hopes to implement including an emergency 
shelter for women and children in need, a community development 
corporation to promote an economically vibrant and financially literate 
Pontiac community, and a youth development center to guide and nurture 
Pontiac's future leaders.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church's 85th Anniversary of spiritual 
guidance and service to the Pontiac community. New Bethel's 
congregation and leadership have left a profound impact on the Pontiac 
community and have enriched the lives of many. I wish Pastor Payton, 
the New Bethel leadership and the entire congregation, many more years 
of vibrant spiritual fellowship and growth.

                          ____________________