[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1474-E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF ST. JOHN A.M.E. CHURCH'S 144TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of St. John 
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's 
membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 144 years. St. John 
A.M.E. Church will usher in this milestone with a celebration, aptly 
named ``Stung By The Spirit,'' and a day of service on Sunday, 
September 21, 2014.
  St. John A.M.E. Church was founded as St. John's Chapel in 1870 and 
was located on Fifth Avenue in Columbus. Reverend John G. Mitchell 
served as the first faith leader to the founding congregation, a 
dynamic group of faithful and steadfast Reconstruction-era Christians 
who helped bring the church to life.
  The church grew and evolved over the next century and on September 
30, 1980, it was

[[Page E1475]]

placed on the list of National Historic Buildings. This honor was 
attributed to the church's Victorian Gothic architectural design, the 
melodious bell in the steeple towering over the brilliant stained glass 
windows, and its long and storied history.
  Unfortunately, hardship struck on February 10, 1990, when a tornado 
swept through the community and severely damaged the church. As plans 
were drawn to restore the building, a second tornado created further 
damage to the structure on February 22, 1990. In a demonstration of 
compassion and unity, a great number of nearby churches opened their 
doors to the members of St. John. Reverend Elijah Smith, alongside 
other officers and the congregation, accepted the generous invitation 
extended to them by the Reverend Eugene Adams, Jr. from the nearby 
Saint James A.M.E. Church.
  Eventually, the members of the St. John family made the decision to 
relocate and build a new church on Steam Mill Road in Columbus. The 
grand opening ceremony for the new location took place on September 2, 
1991.
  While the original location of the church is no longer in service, 
its members still consider that first edifice near and dear to their 
hearts. Thankfully, certain items, such as the stained glass windows, 
brass railings, and various pieces of furniture, were salvaged from the 
original location and artfully incorporated into the new church.
  The story of St. John A.M.E. and its long history of coming together 
through the good and difficult times 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. Today, the church continues 
to flourish under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Debora F. Grant.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church on its 144 remarkable years 
of worship and service in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

                          ____________________