[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 CELEBRATING PASTOR EDWARD L. BRANCH AND THE CONGREGATION OF THIRD NEW 
                HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Edward L. 
Branch and the congregation of Third New Hope Baptist Church in 
Detroit, Michigan on the occasion of its 56th anniversary.
  Over 50 years ago, Deacon John Cunningham and residents of Detroit 
came together in the fellowship of Christ to carry out the work of the 
Lord. Under its first leader, Pastor John L. Davis, the congregation 
found its first home on Carpenter Street in Detroit. As a testament to 
Pastor Davis' focus on missionary and outreach programs which guided 
lost souls, the congregation prospered and grew so extensively that 
Third New Hope had to move to a bigger space on Russell Street.
  Following the departure of Pastor Davis in 1961, Third New Hope came 
under the ministry of Reverend G.P. Chapman. Reverend Chapman led the 
congregation with great passion, kindness and a strong conviction of 
faith. As a true servant to the Lord and his community, he was known as 
a compassionate man that, ``would give you the shirt off his back.'' 
Under his guide, Third New Hope created a youth choir, usher board, 
nurses guild, and more social outreach programs. Again, in recognition 
of the strong spiritual bond of the congregation to its community, 
Third New Hope saw its congregation expand and had to find a new, 
larger home on Linwood Street.
  In 1977, after 16 years of service, Reverend Chapman retired and the 
call to lead Third New Hope was heeded by Pastor Edward L. Branch. A 
young, energetic and spiritually inspired leader, Pastor Branch placed 
renewed emphasis on the fellowship of the congregation and serving the 
needs of the community. Under his tenure, the congregation expanded its 
outreach with the Heritage Center for African American Religious 
Studies, Men's and Women's Ministry, Marriage Ministry and Pastoral 
Care. In addition to moving to its current site on Plymouth Road in 
Detroit, Pastor Branch led a campaign to raise money for a community 
center, paved three parking lots near the church, established The 
Watchmen (a ministry of men who are aimed at protecting the community 
from harm) and expanded the church to a second location, the Third New 
Hope West Campus.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
accomplishments of the congregation of Third New Hope Baptist Church in 
Detroit. Today, Third New Hope's two locations provide Metro-Detroit 
residents with spiritual guidance and vital social services. Over its 
56-year history, the Church and its congregation's profound impact have 
been felt across our communities. I know that Third New Hope will 
continue to prosper under the leadership of Pastor Branch and I wish 
him and the congregation many more years of vibrant spiritual 
fellowship in Christ and service to the community.

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