[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 75 (Monday, May 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITIOIN OF GREATER PEACE BAPTIST CHURCH'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2014

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater Peace 
Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and 
leadership celebrates a remarkable 75 years. The congregation 
celebrated this very significant anniversary on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 
3 p.m. at the church in Columbus, Georgia.
  Greater Peace Baptist Church was founded by a group of Christian 
missionaries from New Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1939. Rev. H. Hunter 
served as the church's first pastor during its humble beginnings. With 
the hard work and perseverance of dedicated deacons and members, Rev. 
Hunter was able to keep the church alive until Rev. George E. King 
became the pastor in 1940. Unfortunately, the church was completely 
destroyed by a fire in 1951. Instead of regarding the event as a 
tragedy, the members of Greater Peace Baptist Church saw the fire as an 
opportunity to come together, reconstruct the church, and help it move 
forward.
  In 1952, Rev. Oliver L. Holston became the pastor and brought new 
ideas to enhance the church. He oversaw the renovations and expanded 
the church to accommodate new members. Rev. Holston ordained many 
Christian men during his leadership, some of whom later became pastors 
themselves. In 1984, Rev. Holston passed away and later in the year, 
Rev. E.L. Sullivan took over leadership of the church.
  Under Rev. Sullivan, numerous new ministries were formed to meet the 
needs of the church, including the Missionary Circles, Pastor's 
Cabinet, and Church Program Committee. Rev. Sullivan also helped 
establish reliable transportation and church hymnals, and procured 
robes and other items for the church's members. Several members were 
licensed and ordained under Rev. Sullivan's leadership including the 
current pastor, Rev. Corey J. Neal. In 2004 and 2005, many amenities 
were added to the fellowship hall, an administrative office was 
constructed, and the Pastor's study was remodeled. In December 2007, 
after 23 faithful years, Rev. Sullivan preached as Senior Pastor and 
prepared to pass the torch to his grandson, Rev. Corey J. Neal.
  Rev. Neal was installed as the new Shepherd of Greater Peace Baptist 
Church on December 30, 2007. Since his installation, the church 
membership has increased tremendously. Rev. Neal has continued his 
grandfather's legacy of forming and developing many new ministries at 
the church. After Pastor Emeritus Rev. E.L. Sullivan was called home to 
the Lord, the fellowship hall was graciously named in his honor. By 
following the vision God gave Rev. Neal, the church was able to pay off 
the E.L. Sullivan Fellowship Hall two and half years early.
  The story of Greater Peace Baptist Church is telling of the 
dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who 
put all their love and trust in the Lord. What began as a small group 
of people worshipping 75 years ago has grown into an expansive and 
successful church that has overcome fire and other hardships.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to the membership of Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia 
for their long history of coming together through the good and 
difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 
and for serving the community through Him.

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