[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Mount Zion Baptist Church in Charles County, Virginia on the occasion 
of its 200th anniversary. I would like to highlight some moments from 
the history of the church.
  Mount Zion Baptist Church was first established by slaves in 1812. 
The original church was built on a parcel of land that was purchased 
for $20. The church worshipped in this sanctuary until it was destroyed 
by fire. After the sanctuary's destruction, the church was without a 
place to worship until a new building was deeded to the Church in 1885 
and a sanctuary erected in 1886. Mount Zion continues to worship in 
this sanctuary to this day.
  Over the years, the building has undergone many beneficial additions 
including the construction of a vestibule, choir stand, choir room, 
annex, Pastor's Study, Secretary's Office, baptismal pool, central 
heating, and air cooling system as well as new siding, pews, and 
carpet.
  Over the past two hundred years, Mount Zion has been fortunate to 
have many dedicated pastors including Revs. Silas Richardson, J.H. 
Harrison, William Sayles, E.T. Banks, J.H. Williams, James Lee, W.H. 
Gaines, Gandhi G. Hester, Daniel L. Adams, Sr., and its current Pastor, 
George Magazine. The Church has also been fortunate to receive the 
service of numerous deacons, trustees and other officials over the 
years.
  Their leadership helped the church thrive over its 200 year history. 
Examples of this include the organization of the Tones of Zion Gospel 
Chorus, the Youth Choir, the Male Chorus, the Nurses' Aides, the 
Christian Education Department, the Missionary Ministry, and 
publication of ``The Spirit of Zion'' newsletter, as well as additional 
Worship Sundays and the Wednesday night Praise and Prayer Service.
  As Mount Zion Baptist Church gathers to celebrate its 200th 
anniversary, the church can truly remember its past, celebrate its 
present, and focus on the future with great expectations. I would like 
to congratulate Pastor Magazine and all of the members of Mount Zion on 
this monumental occasion.

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