[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    IN RECOGNITION OF BENEVOLENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH'S 162ND 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Benevolence 
Missionary Baptist Church in Randolph County, Georgia as the church's 
membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 162 years. The 
congregation of Benevolence Missionary Baptist Church celebrated this 
very significant anniversary on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the church 
near Cuthbert, Georgia.
  Tracing its roots back to the pre-Civil War era, the church was 
founded in 1853 when a group of former slaves set off from their 
landowners' church and boldly founded their own place of worship. This 
establishment would stand the test of time, becoming Benevolence 
Missionary Baptist Church.
  The Reverend Green McCarthy served as the first pastor of the new 
congregation, Jake Knighton served as the first deacon, and Dan 
Knighton served as the first usher. Since none of the members could 
read or write, Brother T.J. Coram served as records keeper until an 
African-American member, Brother Phelm Knighton, could become clerk.
  From the beginning, members paid what they could. Ideally, this was 
ten cents--raised to twenty-five cents in 1890--but when chickens, 
eggs, or vegetables were all people could come by, these were accepted 
instead. What mattered most then, as now, was not the money. It was the 
people--the people who overcame oppression, the people who took a risk 
in founding a new institution, and the people who renewed a community. 
So long as they remained united in their faith, they remained 
unshakeable to the core, and the details would be arranged in time.
  This ardent community of believers has extended its circle to include 
more and more members as the years have gone by, though it has never 
lost its essential character. Today, the spirit and faith of its people 
are manifested through four choirs, a Sunday school, a Mission and 
Vacation Bible School, a Trustee Board, and Junior and Senior Usher 
Boards. That same faith and spirit shine on even as light from the new 
stained glass windows paints churchgoers in colored, living vibrancy. 
And this faith and spirit extend beyond the church doors, in the 
presence of members who give fully of themselves wherever they go.
  Throughout the years, many ministers have been licensed or ordained 
from the church, and a number of pastors, deacons, and clerks have 
contributed to its legacy. The Reverend J.L. Kegler serves as the 
current pastor, alongside deacons Roy Burks, Richard Lee, Rodney Burks, 
Allen Steve White, and William Harrison, and clerks Yvonne Mitchner, 
Keisha Burks, Donella Knighton, and Monica Harris.
  The story of Benevolence Missionary Baptist Church, which recounts a 
long history of a group of believers coming together through the good 
and difficult times to praise and worship the Lord, is truly an 
inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful 
congregation of people who put all their love and trust in God.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute 
to Benevolence Missionary Baptist Church in Randolph County, Georgia 
for its congregation's enduring commitment, despite adversity, to each 
other and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May their actions 
continue to inspire the community in courage, in dedication, and in 
faith.

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