[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF WYNNTON HILL BAPTIST CHURCH'S 153RD ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2014

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Wynnton Hill 
Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and 
leadership celebrates a remarkable 153 years. The congregation of 
Wynnton Hill Baptist Church will celebrate this noteworthy anniversary 
on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Wynnton Hill Baptist 
Church in Columbus, Georgia.
  Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, the church was the first 
of any denomination to be built in the Wynnton area of Columbus. In 
1961, during a meeting at the home of Mr. Willis and Mrs. Sarah James, 
the first members of the church, the plans were established to build a 
sanctuary.
  The first pastor, Reverend Phillip Owens, assisted in building the 
foundation of the church. Land was purchased from the James family to 
build a bush arbor which was covered by fresh bushes from a wooded area 
every Saturday before the Sunday service. After some time, a wooden 
structure was built. Rev. Owens served the church devotedly for 47 
years.
  In 1911, Reverend James H. Carter was called to lead Wynnton Hill 
Baptist Church and he continued to build from Rev. Owens' foundation. 
Under Rev. Carter's leadership, the church expanded and the structure 
changed from wooden to brick. The first public school in the area was 
taught in the basement of the church. Mrs. Selena Cody and Miss Johnnie 
Hutchins were the teachers.
  One of the most significant moments in the church's history occurred 
after a city ordinance was enforced in 1928. The church was condemned 
and torn down. However, a sanctuary was erected in 1930 and the church 
began to flourish. Throughout the coming decades, an education wing was 
installed. In addition, the church was incorporated in 1979. 
Unfortunately, turmoil was on the rise again. In 1989, a firebomb 
destroyed the education wing, but that did not prevail against the 
spirit of the members. The following year, the education wing was 
remodeled and rededicated. The construction of the present sanctuary 
was completed in 1999 and the loan was paid off in 2003.
  During these progressions, Wynnton Hill Baptist Church had eleven 
dedicated spiritual leaders that shepherded the flock and led them to a 
state of prosperity. Today the church continues to grow and give back 
to the community it has served for over 150 years.
  The story of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church, which began as a small 
group of people worshipping in a bush arbor church 153 years ago and 
has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an 
inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful 
congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to Wynnton Hill 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.

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