[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                    SERVICE TO THE PONTIAC COMMUNITY

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Friendship 
Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary of 
service to the Pontiac community. As a Member of Congress, it is my 
privilege to honor the Church, its leadership and its congregation on 
achieving this most impressive milestone.
  Friendship Missionary Baptist Church began its service to the 
community as a house of fellowship, joining the community together to 
affirm the goodness of spirituality under the vision of Reverend Alvin 
Hawkins, the Church's first Pastor. Under Rev. Hawkins' leadership, the 
congregation of Friendship flourished, creating a Sunday School, 
nurses' guild, and a music ministry. Furthermore, to forever enshrine 
and guide them in their greater service to the community, the 
congregation adopted a covenant and the Articles of Faith.
  After seven years of service to the community through piety, charity 
and faith, Rev. Hawkins was called to a new journey, and leadership of 
the Church was entrusted to Rev. Eddie McDonald. Rev. McDonald, another 
man of vision and action, guided Friendship in its spiritual journey, 
creating an outreach ministry and a young women's group. During the 
prosperity of Rev. McDonald's strong stewardship, the Church paid off 
the mortgage on its first home on Williams Street and expanded its 
congregation, eventually seeking a larger space on Michigan Street, its 
current home.
  It was with great sadness that the congregation of Friendship Baptist 
Church said farewell to Rev. McDonald after 32 years, but with hope for 
the future, they welcomed in Rev. William Dulaney. Rev. Dulaney has 
continued upon the steadfast and strong leadership of his predecessors 
and established the Learning Lab and youth department to further expand 
the service of the Church to the community. Under his leadership, the 
congregation of Friendship continues to grow strong.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, and the congregation 
of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in celebrating their 50th 
Anniversary of fellowship in spirituality and service. I wish the 
congregants and leadership of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church many 
more years of prosperity to come.

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