[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E152-E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HAPPY 90TH TO THE DAUGHTERS OF MYRTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the 
Representative in this House of the Myrtle Baptist Church, an 
extraordinarily important congregation which has served predominately, 
but not exclusively, the African-American community in the City of 
Newton, Massachusetts since the 19th century. Myrtle Baptist has played 
an important role in the racial progress we have made from those post-
slavery days to the present, and while that fight has not yet been won 
permanently, the leadership that Myrtle Baptist has provided in the 
City of Newton and the Greater Boston area has contributed 
significantly to the progress that has occurred.
  Ninety years ago, under the pastorate of the Reverend Wade Ryan, the 
Church saw the establishment of the Daughters of Myrtle, which was 
formed with the mandate ``to serve the Church and community spiritually 
and financially.''
  Mr. Speaker, they have done that extraordinarily well. From a group 
of committed churchwomen who were picked by the Reverend Ryan to help 
with the preparation of the service for Northern Baptist Convention 
Annual Meeting, DOM rapidly evolved into a vital part of a vital 
church.
  Today, ninety years after its founding, DOM in their words continues 
``to sponsor events at the Church and have broadened our service to 
include helping those in need throughout our community via outreach 
efforts such as supporting local women's shelters, conducting annual 
pamper drives, and contributing to book

[[Page E153]]

drives for children's wards in various metropolitan Boston hospitals.''
  Mr. Speaker, I recently had the great honor of being invited to 
attend an inspirational worship service at which the torch was passed 
from Pastor Howard M. Haywood, who has for years been a pillar of the 
Newton community, to a new, vigorous pastor, whose presence has been 
greatly welcomed, Pastor Brandon T. Crowley.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that the work of the Daughters of Myrtle is an 
inspiration from which many in our country can learn, and I ask that 
the 90th Anniversary of this important organization be noted here.

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