[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    PORTLAND'S FIRST AME ZION CHURCH

 Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I 
congratulate the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 
Portland, OR, on its 150 years of devotion to God and the Portland 
community.
  In 1862, the A.M.E. Zion Church convened as the first of its kind in 
Portland, just 3 years after Oregon became a State. First Church's 
humble beginnings started in the home of Mrs. Mary Carr on A Street, 
now Ankeny Street, under the leadership of Rev. J.O. Lodge. Since then, 
the congregation has grown substantially and has weathered four 
relocations. It now has settled at its current home on North Vancouver 
and North Skidmore Avenue.
  First Church has impacted countless lives over the course of its 150 
years. It has provided shelter and clothing for the homeless, food for 
the hungry, and scholarships to young students chasing their dreams to 
college. Today, they continue their good work keeping youth off the 
streets and reducing gang violence. The church is a strong, positive 
force in the Portland community.
  To Pastor Robert Nelson Probasco, Sr., and the First African 
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Portland: Thank you for your 
dedication, conviction, and faithful service to the people of 
Portland.

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