[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  RECOGNIZING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF 
                               PENSACOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 80th 
anniversary of the First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola and its 
service to Florida's Gulf Coast.
   The First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola traces its roots back to 
the Great Depression and its founder, Pastor David Lamar ``D.L.'' 
Welch, who preached and established churches across the Nation from 
California to Florida. His travels eventually brought him to Pensacola 
in 1933, where he erected a tent revival on ``O'' Street between Strong 
and DeSoto Streets and baptized 75 members of the Northwest Florida 
community.
   Pastor Welch served the church for two years before embarking again 
on the evangelistic trail. Reverend Oliver Fauss took over as Pastor 
until Pastor Welch's return in 1939. In addition to serving the church, 
Brother Welch played an active role in the community as a District 
Superintendent and a member of the Florida District Board, as well as, 
the Chaplain of the Florida Senate under Florida Governor Fuller 
Warren.
   Brother Welch and his wife of seventy years, the former Lottie Mae 
Holloway, brought up their children in the Pentecostal faith. Their son 
Paul eventually became Pastor in 1975. Brother Paul, with the help of 
his wife, Sister Shirley, oversaw the construction of the church and 
helped expand it into what it has become today.
   In 1999, Brian Kinsey was elected Pastor of the First Pentecostal 
Church and in 2007, Senior Pastor of the church. Today, he and his 
wife, Lanette, continue to inspire those around them and are committed 
to bettering the local community.
   Throughout its eighty year history, the First Pentecostal Church of 
Pensacola has held on to the strong, moral framework and religious 
convictions of its original founders. The church continues to share the 
word of God with His people. I would like to thank its members and 
pastoral leadership for their service to Northwest Florida.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to commemorate the 80th anniversary of First Pentecostal 
Church of Pensacola. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing the members of 
the church all the best for continued success. May the Spirit of the 
Lord continue to bless them.

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