[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1282-E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH, 
                            ALBANY, GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount 
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia which has served as a tower 
of strength for the people of the Second Congressional District. The 
church was founded on July 11, 1920 in a small wooden house located at 
627 Society Avenue under the noble leadership of the late Reverend 
Grant Edgar Hall.
  The church was christened by Mr. Jubie Johnson, who was also one of 
the first members of the church. During its inception, worship services 
were held on the first and third Sundays of each month. The church's 
first pastor, Reverend Edgar Hall, retired in 1956 due to ill health 
and old age. He was succeeded by Reverend R.J. Polk. Since then, the 
church has been blessed by several pastors who have served the people 
of Albany as evangelists, prophets, teachers, counselors, and friends. 
Reverend Polk was followed by dynamic leaders like Reverend P.E. 
Davenport, Reverend J.L. Jones, Reverend J.E. Brown, Reverend C.W. 
Heath, Reverend R.E. Ousley, Reverend Jimmy Sneed, Reverend Carl K. 
Rolle, Reverend Veron D. Lloyd, Reverend Clayton D. Smith and Reverend 
Dr. James B. Rodgers.
  In the last 90 years, the church has seen exponential growth. The 
church's original edifice was expanded under the guidance of Reverend 
Ousley. The adjacent land and Annex South were developed with Reverend 
Rolle's valuable assistance and Annex East was purchased and 
refurbished under Reverend Smith's guidance. With the effective 
leadership from the church's pastors and tremendous public support, the 
church has continued to expand. Under the Reverend Walter L. Ingram, 
Jr., the church relocated to its larger permanent residence on 1501 
Newton Road.
  Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church has served as a pillar of strength for 
the Albany community. Through its numerous outreach ministries, it has 
strived to serve the people of the great state of Georgia and the city 
of Albany. By reaching out to those in need and comforting those who 
are suffering, the church has become a source of spiritual support for 
the people of the community.
  On the occasion of its 90th Anniversary, it gives me great honor to 
recognize Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church for all its efforts. I thank the 
church and its congregation for all their years of service. I wish and 
hope that they continue to spread the word of God and continue serving 
the community in Albany. To God Be The Glory!

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