[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E818-E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING OLD ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable historical house of worship, Old Antioch Baptist Church in 
Sumner, Mississippi.
  Old Antioch Baptist Church has been in existence since 1904 in 
Sumner, Mississippi. The congregation today still consists of many of 
the founder's children and grandchildren. In earlier years church 
services were held only on the second Sunday of each month and had a 
large congregation, primarily because of the vast Black population 
around the Sumner community. It was one of the only places they had to 
worship. Today the membership consists of 60 members, three deacons and 
two trustees. In 1979 a part of the Old West District School building 
was added to the Old Antioch Church which added five Sunday school 
classrooms, a baptismal pool, a kitchen and three bathrooms. In 1991, 
the Old Antioch

[[Page E819]]

church was bricked under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Hawkins.
  The church activities consist of: Sunday School, Annual Men & Women's 
Day Programs every second Sunday in October, Family & Friends Day and 
Mother's Day Programs in May, Black History Observance in February, 
Church Anniversary in July, Sunrise services on Easter Sunday, 
Christmas concert and Thanksgiving programs. All services are held to 
benefit members of the congregation who may have a need as well as the 
surrounding communities.
  Worship service has changed to every second and fourth Sunday. Old 
Antioch Baptist Church has had 21 ministers to serve as pastors. 
Currently Rev. Lorenzo K. Robinson, who is a native of Bolivar County 
is pastor, ministry of music and Sunday school teacher and trainer of 
future Sunday school teachers. He has been the pastor for the last 12 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing 
house of Worship, which has been instrumental in meeting spiritual 
needs.

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