[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF MT. MARIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 200TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Mt. Mariah 
Missionary Baptist Church in Omaha, Georgia as the church's membership 
and leadership celebrates a remarkable 200 years. The congregation of 
Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate this very 
significant anniversary with a Bicentennial Celebration on Sunday, May 
12, 2013 at the Church in Omaha, Georgia.
  Tracing its roots back to the antebellum era, the church was an 
illustration of the segregation and slavery practices of the South. 
From 1813 to 1856, the black community of Omaha worshipped with the 
white community although only a select number of blacks were allowed to 
attend church, including the overseer, the maids and the cooks. They 
had to sit in the back of the church and were not allowed to 
participate. As time passed, more members of the black community were 
allowed to attend the worship service but remained unsatisfied with the 
arrangement of services being held at Summer Hill Baptist Church, as it 
was known then.
  After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1865, the black 
community of Omaha was still discontented with the church service 
arrangement and called for a church of their own. In 1866, the white 
community had a church built within the city limits of Omaha and 
donated the old church to the black community. It was then used as both 
a school and a church and the name was changed to Mount Mariah 
Missionary Baptist Church.
  In 1890, a church was built within the Omaha city limits for the 
black families living and working there so they wouldn't have to walk 
as far on Sunday and be tired for work on Monday. The church continued 
to grow and formed an organization named the ``Mt. Mariah Baptist 
Church Association.''
  In 1911, the church bought six acres of land for $412.00 to build a 
new church, fellowship hall and cemetery. This structure stood until a 
tornado tore through the Omaha area and destroyed the church. Through 
the sadness and the tears came a firm resolve and an unyielding faith 
in the Lord to build a new church. After working hard to raise the 
funds, on November 9, 1947, the new church was dedicated with much 
prayer, song, and joy.
  Throughout the years, the church was remodeled and improved with 
help, funds and donations from its members. It has seen many great 
leaders, each one leaving their lasting mark on the church. Today, 
under the leadership of Pastor Marcus B. Hunter, the prospering church 
looks back on 200 years of hardship, unending faith, and ultimate 
success.
  The story of Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church, which began during 
a dark and divided time in our nation's history, is a truly inspiring 
one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of 
people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in Omaha, Georgia for their 
long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to 
praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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