[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WEST END BAPTIST CHURCH 120TH ANNIVERSARY

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a 
legacy of faith in Virginia's Third Congressional District. This year, 
West End Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia is celebrating its 120th 
anniversary, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on the 
history of this esteemed institution and its contributions to the 
greater Hampton Roads community.
  The story of West End Baptist Church begins on December 12, 1892, 
when Robert and Mary Herbert sold a piece of land forty feet by one 
hundred feet to Joshua Morris, Isaiah Dillard and John Seton, Trustees 
of West End Baptist Church, for $75.00. It was recorded that the land 
be used solely for the purpose of building a church.
  In 1901, the West End Baptist Church was up and running under the 
leadership of Pastor Linas. The fellowship began in the old Bates 
School House that was located where the Beau Brummell building now 
stands. After the death of Pastor Linas, Pastor Beverly Garner became 
his successor. He saw a need for a new sanctuary for his followers. The 
congregation began to build the new church at 2916 Shell Road. 
Unfortunately, Pastor Garner passed away before he could see his dream 
completed. However, the new church sanctuary was completed in 1903 
under the leadership of Pastor Bray. After Pastor Bray's tenure, Pastor 
Hall was selected as the next leader and Pastor Atkins succeeded him.
  In 1965, Rev. Hallie Richardson, Sr. became West End Baptist Church's 
leader. He served faithfully until September 1990. During his ministry, 
the membership flourished. Due to the growth in the congregation, there 
again was a need for a larger sanctuary. The first service in the new 
sanctuary at 2413 Shell Road took place in July 1982, and West End 
Baptist Church has remained there to this day.
  Pastor Rufus Hill succeeded Pastor Richardson in September 1990, and 
he served until 1999. Guest ministers rendered services until April 
2001. During this time, West End also saw its first woman, Edith Green, 
appointed to the Diaconate. Rev. James Gray was officially installed as 
Pastor on November 2, 2003 and served until 2007. Pastor Paul Sims was 
elected to serve as the 10th Pastor of West End Baptist Church in 
November 2008.
  Over the years, the West End Baptist community has continued to grow 
and flourish. Its members have offered programs in the Youth Ministry, 
Outreach Ministry, Culinary Ministry and more. In addition to Sunday 
prayer, the church offers Wednesday Noon Prayer Assembly. The Church is 
home to numerous bands and choirs. The church has also organized many 
functions including Children's Church, new converts' and new members' 
orientation classes, a monthly Men's Fellowship Breakfast, hot meals 
for the hungry and an Annual Homecoming.
  As West End Baptist Church gathers to celebrate this historic 
milestone, the church can truly remember its past, celebrate its 
present, and focus on its future as ``the friendly church by the side 
of the road, in the heart of the community with the community at 
heart.'' I would like to congratulate Pastor Sims and all of the 
members of the West End Baptist Church on the occasion of their 120th 
Anniversary. I wish them many more years of dedicated service to the 
community.

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