[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF BEULAH FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of Beulah First Baptist Church and its service to the 
Northwest Florida community.
   Beulah First Baptist Church is the second oldest church in Fort 
Walton Beach, Florida. Originally known as the First Community Church 
and then later as the Colored Community Baptist Church, Beulah First 
Baptist's founding began when its first members were inspired by the 
desire to learn and heed the Lord's Word. Beginning in 1938, its 
service to its congregation grew from Bible Study and adult veterans 
classes held in member homes to an expanded Bible Study and Sunday 
Church School under the leadership of Reverend O.R. Robinson in 1943. 
Both the Bible Study and the Sunday Church School are still active 
today.
   Throughout its 75 years, Beulah First Baptist Church has been 
blessed with the leadership of nine pastors, including: Reverends W. 
Garrett (1938); H. McNeil (1938); O.R. Robinson (1943); E.W. Thomson 
(1945); Fitzchew (1952); A.D. Bell, Sr. (1953); David Savage (1969); 
Matthew Payne, Jr. (1970); and Scottie L. Thigpen (1981 to present).
   A true testament to God's work through His people, the Church has 
experienced much growth over the years, particularly in 1988. This year 
not only marked the Church's Golden Anniversary, but also a year of 
many firsts: the Church formed the Women's Fellowship Luncheon, the 
Church Banquet, and the Intermediate Women's Prayer Breakfast. 
Additionally, the Church began contributing ten percent of its tithes 
and offering to local and foreign missions. In recent years, the Church 
established a singles ministry in 1993 and a Children's Church in 1994. 
In 1998, Beulah Christian Academy opened its doors as did the Mission 
Outreach Ministry and the McGriff Office Facility in 2005.
   Since its founding, members of Beulah First Baptist Church have 
helped build God's Kingdom here on earth through their outreach to the 
citizens of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area, and I would 
like to thank them for their service to Northwest Florida.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Beulah First 
Baptist Church. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing the Church all the 
best for continued success. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to 
bless this Church and its congregation.

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