[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 172 (Thursday, December 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN RECOGNITION OF GREATER ST. MARK A.M.E. CHURCH'S 127TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 5, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater Saint 
Mark A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia as they celebrate a remarkable 
127 years. The anniversary celebration will be held on Sunday, December 
8, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Greater St. Mark Church in Columbus. The event 
will also be an opportunity to welcome Reverend Kevin Moore as the 
church's new pastor.
  Greater Saint Mark traces its roots back to 1886 when the seven 
original members began holding prayer meetings in a small house located 
on the land where the church stands today. From the prayer meetings, 
soon grew a Sunday school and eventually, a full church service with a 
devoted congregation. St. Mark assigned its first pastor, Reverend M.R. 
Wilson, in 1889, and from his pastorate came the church's original 
structure.
  Since then, the Church has seen many changes. After Reverend W.L. 
Brown installed a new piano and organ, Reverend A.M. Threatt purchased 
a new parsonage, transforming the old one into classrooms, a Pastor's 
study, and meeting space. Reverend W.J. Daniels helped the Church 
acquire new pews, carpeting, and a bell honoring Mrs. Susie Herte and 
Miss Clara Charleston. The Bussey-Hixon-Alexander Annex was built to 
accommodate a modern kitchen and restroom, a pastor's study, a 
secretary and finance office, a choir room, and a stewardess room. In 
honor of Mrs. Johnnie Mae Johnson, a scholarship fund was established, 
along with the donation of a church van.
  In addition to the physical renovations to Greater St. Mark, many of 
the church's leaders have focused on advancing the spiritual impact the 
church can make on the surrounding area. Under the pastorate of 
Reverend B.A. Hart, Greater St. Mark held a planning meeting which 
eventually brought Citizens Trust Bank, a minority enterprise, to 
Columbus. He also established the Young Adult Ensemble and the Male 
Chorus to enhance the Church's music ministry, and introduced bi-weekly 
Bible study and Christian Education seminars. Reverend Dr. Roosevelt 
Morris oversaw the donation of a house to the Columbus Historic 
Foundation, on behalf of the church. In the three years of Reverend 
Henry E. Green's leadership, a new roof was installed and a church 
website was built. Now Greater St. Mark will be welcoming Reverend 
Kevin Moore into the family as the church's new pastor and more 
improvements are sure to come under his leadership.
  What began as a small house for families to meet in prayer has grown 
into a family of its own, housing generations of church members and 
guiding them through their journey with the Lord. All of these 
additions and renovations exhibit the giving nature of the entire St. 
Mark congregation, as well as their dedication to serving Christ, each 
other, and the community. Not only do contributions and improvements to 
the church improve Greater St. Mark's ability to spread the word of the 
Lord, but they also strengthen the bond the members have with each 
other.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to the Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Columbus, GA for serving as a 
pillar of faith and fellowship to its members for the past 127 years. 
May God continue to bless the church and its congregation.

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