[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAMPTON

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                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a 
legacy of faith in Virginia's Third Congressional District. This year, 
First Baptist Church of Hampton is celebrating its 150th 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 history of many African American churches in existence today 
developed from a small band of worshippers who sat in the ``designated 
section'' of a white church. In this respect, First Baptist Church of 
Hampton is no exception and was borne out of worshippers at the Hampton 
Baptist Church located a short distance away from the present church 
site. With Reverend Zechariah Evans as its first pastor, First Baptist 
Church of Hampton came into its own and built its own building to house 
services.
  The Church continued to grow and prosper, but in September 1944, a 
catastrophic fire destroyed the church building. Members of the 
community and sister churches rallied to support First Baptist Church. 
With generous support from the Hampton Baptist Church and other 
supporters in the community, the sanctuary was restored and the 
facility was improved and expanded.
  Over the years the Church grew in its capacity, its membership, and 
its mission. Community outreach became an integral part of the work of 
the Church. The accomplishments of First Baptist Church of Hampton are 
far too many to list, but among them are the founding of the People's 
Building and Loan Association under Reverend Richard Spiller and the 
organization of the Big Brothers of America in Hampton under the 
leadership of Reverend Seymour J. Gaines.
  On July 6, 2006, First Baptist Church officially elected Reverend Dr. 
Richard W. Wills, Sr. as its tenth and current pastor and he has 
continued to lead the church in its strong tradition, dedicated to 
fellowship and social action.
  Over the years, the First Baptist community has continued to grow and 
flourish. The church now offers programs to increase healthy living 
through its Health Ministry program, hosts voter registration drives, 
provides housing for the homeless through ``A Night's Welcome,'' and 
remains steadfast in providing for the least of these, through its 
efforts in meal service and food distribution.
  On Saturday, October 26th, I was honored to join Reverend Wills and 
everyone at First Baptist for their anniversary celebration banquet, 
which featured Reverend Al Sharpton and many other luminaries from 
across the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country. President 
Barack Obama also provided a celebratory letter commemorating the 
church's rich history and its 150th anniversary. The banquet was truly 
an event to remember and offered a chance for the celebration, 
reflection, and hope that such a monumental anniversary invokes.
  As First Baptist Church of Hampton continues to celebrate this 
historic milestone, the church can truly remember its past, celebrate 
its present, and focus on its future as ``[a] place on the harbor where 
haven meets heaven.'' I would like to congratulate Reverend Wills and 
all of the members of First Baptist Church of Hampton on the occasion 
of its 150th Anniversary. I wish them many more years of dedicated 
service to the community.

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