[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF 
                               ANN ARBOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Second 
Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for its sesquicentennial anniversary. 
Second Baptist has stood since 1865 as a symbol of the African American 
community of Ann Arbor. As this country has gone through a 
transformative journey to live up to its creed of ``All men are created 
equal'' for the past century and a half, the Second Baptist Church of 
Ann Arbor has been on a journey to perfect itself.
  Second Baptist's journey began when it was chartered in 1865. The 
original congregation was led by Rev. Lewis and met in a small frame 
cottage overlooking the Huron River. They would later move into a new 
building in the heart of the segregated black residential community of 
the city in 1890. As Second Baptist grew, so did Ann Arbor's African 
American community. In the late 1910's and early 20's, the ``Great 
Migrations'' led to a large growth in the African American population 
in Washtenaw County. In the late 20's and 30's programs were 
inaugurated to help community members get through the Great Depression. 
In 1966 Rev. Emmett L. Green was chosen to lead Second Baptist through 
a new Civil Rights Era. Rev. Green was committed to Martin Luther 
King's inspired Social Gospel civil rights activism during his tenure 
as pastor.
  Second Baptist is currently led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Daniels, who aims 
to help Second Baptist continue its tradition of building a church with 
Christ and His Gospel as its foundation. On its 150th year, Second 
Baptist pauses to reflect, to renew and to embrace the limitless 
possibilities that God has scripted for the coming seasons.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor The Second 
Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for its sesquicentennial anniversary and 
its dedication to enriching the lives of the surrounding community.

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