[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL C. BROUN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
rich heritage of Zion Missionary Baptist Church whose members are 
celebrating its 150th anniversary. In 1863, shortly after President 
Abraham Lincoln gave the Emancipation Proclamation, thirty-six freedmen 
founded a church at the Pepperton Community in Jasper, Georgia. Since 
then, Zion Missionary Baptist Church has become a thriving fellowship, 
dedicated to ministry and service in the African-American community.
   It is worth noting that before there were African-American mayors, 
governors, or even a president, Black churches, like Zion, thrived with 
leadership from African-American Sunday school teachers, deacons, and 
pastors. As with many churches, over the years the members of Zion were 
seen as community leaders, who helped mentor, educate, and counsel many 
in the Black community. Today, Zion serves not only as a place of 
worship, but as a people with a mission to serve as a source of 
encouragement, inspiration, and pride for members of the community for 
more than a century.
   The 150 year history of Zion Missionary Baptist Church includes many 
pastors, challenges, and changes, but its unwavering commitment to 
being a place where the community gathers to help and support one 
another is to be commended. No matter the cause, event, or activity, 
God has used Zion to influence its community. Therefore, I close by 
asking you to support and pray for what God is doing at Zion Missionary 
Baptist Church. May it continue as a pillar of strength for the 
residents of Butts County for generations to come.

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