[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mt. Zion Baptist 
Church of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, on the historic occasion of 
its 100th anniversary.
  Since 1911, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has been a vital organization in 
the Madison community.The Madison area is truly fortunate to have such 
a wonderful church continually working to better the community. Over 
the past 100 years, Mt. Zion has not only offered spiritual guidance, 
but also opened its doors to the community, expanding and evolving its 
services to meet the needs of those it serves.
  In its first 100 years, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has provided a legacy 
of pastoral leadership. Reverend Joseph Washington, pastor from 1927 to 
1965 and Reverend Joe Dawson, pastor from 1955 to 1985, did much to 
shape both the church and the community. That dedication to both 
congregation and community was further exemplified by the leadership of 
Reverend James Wright, who served Mt. Zion as associate minister from 
1960 to 1984 and as senior pastor from 1990 to 1995. He also served the 
entire Madison community as Director of the Madison Equal Opportunities 
Commission. That rich tradition continues today under the leadership of 
Reverend Richard L. Jones, Sr.
  Beyond offering a tradition of strong and inspirational pastoral 
guidance, Mt. Zion Baptist Church works tirelessly to give back to the 
community. Today, Reverend Richard Jones ensures that Mt. Zion does all 
it can to feed the hungry and clothe the poor, and work to better our 
community through scholarships, tutors, and many other forms of charity 
work. Mt. Zion is always extending a helping hand to its neighbors and 
all those in need.
  The motto of Mt. Zion Baptist Church is ``Building up Reaching out,'' 
and this ideal is personified by the congregation at Mt. Zion. Every 
day since 1911, Madison area residents have enjoyed the service and 
guidance provided by the Church.
  Today, I am humbled to join the congregation of Mt. Zion Baptist 
Church, the residents of the City of Madison, the people of the State 
of Wisconsin, and all citizens of the United States in recognizing, 
honoring, and sincerely thanking Mt. Zion Baptist Church and its 
faithful followers for their selfless works and tireless commitment for 
the past 100 years.

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